Households are urged to stay inside during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm (Image: Getty)
Households across the UK are being told to stay inside between 11am and 3pm until Thursday as a heatwave sweeps the country.
The UK has been basking in gloriously hot and sunny weather in recent days, with temperatures expected to peak on Monday, May 25, at a sizzling 33C. The Met Office is predicting that the May and Spring UK temperatures will be broken this bank holiday weekend, surpassing the existing record of 32.8C, with households urged to take precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat. Amber heat health alerts are currently in force for the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and West Midlands, while yellow alerts cover the North West, North East, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
While Monday is expected to be the hottest day, reaching highs of 33C in southern England and the Midlands, the heat health alerts are in force until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.
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As such, households are urged to take simple steps to stay safe in the heat over the coming days including staying inside during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), NHS and Met Office advice also recommends closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun to help keep your home cool during these hours, as well as closing doors to help keep your home cool.
It’s recommended that you avoid doing physical activities during the peak heat of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
The UKHSA said: “There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as
if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening.”
The UKHSA has warned the high temperatures may put vulnerable people at risk, including people aged over 65, those with long-term health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, people who are pregnant, and those who live alone or need help to look after themselves.
If you do need to go out in the heat, try to walk in the shade, always apply suncream and wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”