The NHS has issued a critical health warning for the UK as temperatures are expected to soar to 38°C this week. Brits are urged to call 999 if symptoms of heatstroke persist for 30 minutes, as the Met Office has declared an extreme heat warning from Monday through Thursday.
Temperature Forecast and Health Risks
The Met Office warns that temperatures will “quickly rise” today, reaching 34°C in southern England. By Tuesday, highs of 37°C are forecast for southern England and 35°C in southeast Wales. The peak of the heatwave is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures climbing to 38°C. The alert highlights potential health impacts for the wider population, not just vulnerable groups.
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially deadly medical emergency where the body overheats and loses its ability to regulate internal temperature. It often begins with heat exhaustion. The NHS warns: “If someone with heat exhaustion is unable to cool down within 30 minutes, they require immediate medical help.” On its website, it states: “Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating with pale and clammy skin (harder to see on brown or black skin), cramps in arms, legs, and stomach, high temperature, extreme thirst, and irritability. The NHS advises: “If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down and given fluids.” Steps include moving them to a cool place, removing unnecessary clothing, giving plenty of water (or isotonic sports drink or oral rehydration powder), cooling their skin with water or cold packs under armpits or on the neck, and staying with them until they improve. “They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes,” the NHS adds.
When to Call 999
Call 999 immediately if signs of heatstroke appear: still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling, very high temperature, hot skin without sweating (may look red, harder to see on brown or black skin), fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, confusion and lack of coordination, seizure or fit, or loss of consciousness. For heat exhaustion symptoms that are difficult to treat, call 111 for advice.
