The NHS has issued urgent health advice for the upcoming weekend as the Met Office forecasts that temperatures could exceed 30C in parts of the UK. The health body recommends staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office has described an "exceptional spell of warmth" for May, with temperatures expected to peak at around 28C or 29C across England and Wales, and a good chance of reaching 30C in the southeast. Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson stated: "A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK. High pressure will be in charge over the bank holiday weekend, bringing fine and settled conditions to most areas. The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday."
On social media platform X, the Met Office added: "It's been a cool May - so far. That's set to change quite dramatically over the coming days. A prolonged period of very warm weather is now increasingly likely. Temperatures will rise to well above average for May with the hottest spots possibly exceeding 30 Celsius."
Health Risks and Advice
The NHS warns that exposure to high temperatures can have serious health implications. It states: "Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know." The main risks include dehydration, overheating which can worsen heart or breathing conditions, and heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
To stay safe, the NHS advises keeping out of the heat as much as possible. Specifically, it recommends staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm. If you must go outside, wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing, and avoid strenuous activity. Additional tips include consuming cold food and drinks, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks, taking cool showers, and closing windows during the day while opening them at night when temperatures drop. Electric fans can be used if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
Vulnerable Groups
A heatwave can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. These include older people, especially those over 75 and women; those living alone or in care homes; individuals with serious or long-term illnesses such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or mental health conditions; people on multiple medications; babies and young children; the bed-bound; those with drug or alcohol addictions; and people who spend a lot of time outdoors or in hot environments, such as those living in top-floor flats, the homeless, or outdoor workers.
For more information, visit the NHS website.
