Extreme heat warning for a large part of the UK
An amber weather warning for extreme heat has been issued
Last updated 11th Jul 2022
As temperatures rise this week, an amber weather warning for extreme heat has been issued across a large part of the UK.
The warning from the Met Office is for Sunday, when temperatures are predicted to soar into the 30s.
The forecaster added that the warning could be extended to Monday next week.
It is being enforced across the East Midlands, east of England, London, South East, North East, North West, South West, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.
A statement from the Met Office said: “Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.
“Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
“Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines (are) likely to be required.
“Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to increased risk of water safety incidents.
“Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.”
The extreme heat weather warning system ranges from yellow to red and indicates how likely and how much of an impact the weather will have on public life.
An amber warning states that temperatures are likely to have a high impact.
Tips for sleeping in a heatwave
1) Cool your sheets
While it would be great to put all of your bedding in the fridge or freezer before you go to bed, a cool over-sheet or cool pillow cases will help. Stick them in a plastic bag and then in your fridge or freezer for around 10 minutes before you go to bed and they will cool you down.
2) Sleep alone
Even if you normally share your bed with your significant other, body heat can make a hot night even hotter. Maybe it's time for one of you to sleep in the spare room for the night.
3) Tepid shower
Don't be fooled into having a cold shower, a tepid shower is better at lowering your body temperature. If you have a cold shower your body can overcompensate and make you even hotter!
4) Avoid alcohol
Although it's very tempting to enjoy a cold alcoholic drink when it comes to bedtime you might regret it as alcohol dehydrates.
5) DIY air conditioning
When a simple fan isn't enough to cool you down, try filling a pan or bowl with ice cubes and putting that in front of the fan. The fan's breeze will then create a cooling mist.
6) Use sheets instead of a duvet
Get rid of your winter duvet and maybe even your summer duvet, swapping it for a thin sheet to keep you cool.
7) Cool your feet
Dipping your feet in a bucket of cold water before you go to sleep can help cool down your body, but make sure you don't spill it or get water all over your bed!
8) Windows and curtains
Make sure you keep the windows and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out and then open them when it's cooler. This will help circulate the cooler air.
9) Drink plenty of water
Aim to drink at least two litres of fluids a day if you can, stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
10) Cool your pulse points
Put a cold flannel on your wrist and neck to cool down your body.
11) Cold water bottle
We've all heard of a hot water bottle, why not do the same with cold water when it's hot weather. Alternatively you could use an icepack in towel. However, remember not to put ice directly onto your skin!
12) Fan cross flow
If you have a fan or blow heater then put it on the cool setting and create a cross flow. Point it so that the warm air at the back is pushed out of an open window, that way it will keep your room cool.