Manchester's meltdown - heatwave health warning

There's a health warning as Manchester melts in the sun

Published 19th Jul 2016

Manchester's been hotter than the Med during the mini-heatwave with temperatures almost equalling the region's record.

Baking heat swept up from Spain prompted Public Health England to urge people to look out for elderly relatives and friends who may be susceptible to the high temperatures - and to take extra care of young children, babies and those with heath issues.

Manchester's record of 33.7 Celcius was set in the long hot summer in 1976 when the hot weather latest for weeks and led to water shortages.

During the current heatwave people are urged to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, close curtains to keeps rooms cool, open windows and avoid people and animals being left in closed, parked vehicles which can get extremely hot.

Dr Angie Bone, PHE's head of extreme events, said: For some people - such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children - summer heat can bring real health risks.

This summer we're urging people to keep an eye on those at risk and, if you're able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated.''

St John Ambulance has also issued advice, urging people to be aware of headaches, dizziness and cramp which can be signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Pollen levels will be high over the country for the next few days, causing havoc for hay fever sufferers - and there may be another restless night on Tuesday as temperatures reach 22C (71.6F) overnight.

Met Office forecaster Sophie Yeomans said: We are looking at probably the hottest day of the year today and with all the warm and humid air it does mean we are going to have a thundery breakdown later.

"There could be hail, gusts of wind and 30mm of rain falling in the hour, but this won't be persistent. There's potential for nearly a month's rain in some areas during the time we have the warning.''