The NHS has confirmed the difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion as temperatures are forecast to hit 37C. The heatwave is set to bring more dry and hot weather across much of England and Wales this week, with temperatures gradually rising day by day before peaking on Thursday.
Highs of around 33C to 34C are possible in parts of southern England by mid-week, reaching the mid to high 20s further north, before climbing to a sweltering 36C or 37C in parts of central and southeastern England on Thursday.
Amber heat warning issued
An amber heat warning has been issued for parts of England from 9am to midnight on Thursday as hot temperatures are expected to bring an increased risk of heat-related health impacts, alongside a heightened risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn.
Met Office advice recommends keeping out of the sun and avoiding exercise when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping curtains closed in rooms that face the sun.
And with another bout of hot and humid weather on the cards over the coming days, people are also being urged to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke symptoms and emergency response
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, but if it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency according to the NHS, so it’s important to know the difference.
The NHS has confirmed that the following six symptoms are all signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency and requires getting immediate medical help:
- a very high temperature
- hot skin without sweating
- fast breathing and a fast heartbeat
- confusion and restlessness
- seizure (fit)
- loss of consciousness
If you, or someone else, has any of these symptoms of heatstroke and are still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids, you should call 999.
Confirming what to do while waiting for help with heatstroke, the NHS said: “Wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet, or fan them or sponge them down with cold water while you wait for help to arrive.
“If they lose consciousness while you're waiting for help, put them in the recovery position and tell the ambulance service. Check their breathing and pulse and carry out CPR if they show no sign of life.”
Heat exhaustion symptoms and prevention
By comparison, heat exhaustion is less severe than heatstroke and can be treated at home. The NHS says symptoms can include any of the following:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy (a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- a high temperature
- being very thirsty
- feeling irritable
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children and if someone shows any of these signs they need to be cooled down and given fluids.
Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be prevented by drinking lots of cold drinks, avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, and avoiding extreme exercise.
It’s also advised that you wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing, and if you are inside on a hot day, keep your windows and curtains closed if it’s hotter outside than in your home.
William Spencer, climate and first aid expert at the British Red Cross, said: “While periods of hot weather have become more familiar in recent years, they can still pose serious risks to health. In fact, after prolonged dry and warm conditions, it is more important than ever to follow heat safety advice.
“Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day and taking regular breaks from the sun can help protect you and those around you.
“It’s also important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.”
