Hot or cold weather
Very hot or very cold weather can pose a risk to your health and the health of those you care for. The temperature forecasts give the expected minimum and maximum air temperature each day, and will turn red if the air temperature poses a risk to health.
What to do in very hot weather
In very hot weather you can reduce your risk of dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke by keeping out of the heat if you can, and by cooling yourself down by having cold food and drinks or taking a cool shower.
The health risks posed by very hot weather can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are people aged over 75, people who have a serious or long-term illness, babies and very young children, people who are bed bound, people with drug or alcohol addictions, people with Alzheimer’s Disease and people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places.
What to do in very cold weather
In very cold weather you can reduce your risk of colds, flu and more serious health problems by keeping warm. Heat your home safely to a temperature that is comfortable for you, particularly the rooms you use regularly like your living room and bedroom. If you need to go out in the cold, wear shoes with a good grip to reduce your risk of slipping on icy surfaces, and wear a scarf around your mouth to protect you from cold air, and to reduce the risk of chest infections.
Some people are more impacted by cold weather, including people aged over 65, babies and young children, people who cannot afford to heat their homes, people who have a long-term health condition, people with a disability, pregnant women, and people who have a mental health condition.
Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra practical support during very cold weather. You can help them by keeping in touch, and by making sure they have enough food and medicine supplies.
You will find more advice from the NHS about how to stay safe in very hot or very cold weather by following the links below.
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