First Published:
14/06/2023
Heatwave – How to cope in hot weather
With the temperatures soaring it is important to keep yourself safe from the heat. Below are some things to look out for and some tips for managing the hot weather over the summer.
When your body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses can occur. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If actions are not taken to treat heat exhaustion, the illness could progress to heat stroke which could have significant repercussions.
Heat exhaustion – What happens to your body?
- Headaches
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Weakness
- Mood changes (irritable, or confused or can’t think straight)
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Vomiting/throwing up
- Decreased and dark coloured urine
- Fainting/passing out; pale clammy skin
Tips for coping in hot weather
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when sun is the strongest
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this is not possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter)
- If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, juices, low caffeine and low sugar soft drinks, and lower-fat milks are good options
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
Useful links
Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Hot weather and health: guidance and advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Keep pets safe in the heat | The Humane Society of the United States