Exceptionally high temperatures in Sefton today & tomorrow, don’t roast on our coast is the message
The July 2022 heatwave is bringing some exceptionally high temperatures across the country today and Tuesday, however there is a change later Tuesday with fresher air arriving from the west. It’s currently 31°C in Formby with a light northerly breeze of 5mph.
'Don't roast on our coast' is the message from our Director of Public Health Margaret Jones. With temperatures over 30°C expected in Sefton, today and tomorrow people can develop heat exhaustion and heatstroke very quickly, she warns.
While temperatures in the North West may not be forecast to reach the extreme 40°C that have caused the Met Office to issue the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat today, Sefton Council is still urging people to be careful and prepare for the heat.
We expect temperatures to rise above 30 C and people can develop health problems such as heat exhaustions and heatstroke, especially if they are either young or older or if they have an underlying health condition.
During hot and sunny weather, we also need to remember to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of UV light.
Sustained exposure to the sun even at lower temperature can cause a number of health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke and everyone is vulnerable the harmful effects of UV light if unprotected.
Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “While I can fully understand that many people thoughts will turn to visiting the coast, what we need to remember is that on the beach, we are fully exposed to the effects of the sun and heat, especially if we are not prepared.
“It is important to stay out of the Sun as much as possible during the hottest part of the day. While it is so sunny if we do go out, we should wear sunscreen and a hat and try and stay in the shade.”
“We should try and keep cool this could be indoors or outdoors in the shade.”
“If you do want to go out, staying local in areas such as parks where trees and shelters can provide shade will be cooler and much more suitable for young children and elderly people who can succumb to the potentially dangerous effects of heat and dehydration very quickly.”
Sefton Council has issued some advice about Excessively Hot Weather:
What You Need To Know
From time to time Sefton, given its coastal location, can become subject to excessively hot temperatures.
This weather will often lead to Met Office Yellow, Amber and even Red alerts, meaning there will be a need forcommunities to take action to look after themselves and others.
While hot weather is something we all welcome, excessive heat and high temperatures can cause harm to health andwellbeing, as well as have an impact on Sefton's ecology.
The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. As our climate changes, hot spells areexpected to be more frequent and more intense.
Heatwave - July 2022
For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Redwarning for exceptional heat.
Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week, with temperatures likely in the very high30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.
This is expected to last for a number of days.
While temperatures in Sefton may not reach the highest levels, the weather will still be extremely warm and can beharmful to your health if proper precautions aren't taken.
What can happen?
If weather conditions become really bad our health can become severely impacted and in some cases can cause death.
In one hot spell in August 2003 in England and Wales there were over 2,000 extra deaths than would normally beexpected.
Who is at risk from excessive heat?
The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. As our climate changes, hot spells areexpected to be more frequent and more intense
Older people, especially those over 75
babies and young children
people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
people with serious mental health problems
people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example, diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics
people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)
people who misuse alcohol or drugs
people who are physically active (for example, soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)
homeless people
With any serious weather alerts, Sefton Council and its partners will work together to keep our communities up to datewith the latest information, advice and guidance in order to keep you safe.
We will use our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook to post regular updates and share messages from partners, aswell as regularly updating this web page.
How can I avoid getting poorly?
Stay out of the heat, cool yourself down, keep your environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool.
Look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves; make sure they areable to keep cool during a heatwave.
Get medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.
Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
Carry on taking all prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. But be aware that someprescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat.
Be alert and if someone is unwell or needs further help, see the resources section at the end of this leaflet.
Signs of heat related illness
Chronic illnesses can get worse in hot weather.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot:
Heat Exhaustion is where you become very hot and start to lose water or salt from your body. Common symptomsinclude weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling sick, heavy sweating and intense thirst.
Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool itself and a person’s body temperature becomes dangerously high.Heatstroke is less common, but more serious. Untreated symptoms include confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.
You can find out more, such as common signs and symptoms to look out for on NHS Choices.
