Staying well in hot weather

Who can be at risk? 

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are: 

• older people – especially those over 75 and female
• those who live on their own or in a care home
• people who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
• people who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
• those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
• people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside

Tips for staying well in hot weather 

To help stay safe during the hot weather, you can follow these steps: 

• Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm 

• Plan physical activity, such as exercise or walking the dog, for cooler parts of the day like early morning or evening 

• Keep homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms which face the sun 

• If going outside, wear appropriate clothing such as a hat and sunglasses, seek shade, and use sunscreen 

• Drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol intake 

• Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk of becoming unwell, and provide support if needed 

• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if someone is affected 

For more information on staying well in the hot weather please visit the NHS website here.