The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of Wales, with heatwave conditions expected to persist into next week. The warning is in effect through Monday and Tuesday, with peak temperatures forecast to reach 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is growing confidence that the current highest June temperature record of 35.6°C (recorded in Southampton in 1976) could be broken.
Weather as a Headache Trigger
As temperatures rise, many people may experience an unpleasant side effect without realizing the connection: debilitating headaches brought on by changing weather conditions. The NHS lists weather changes among 10 known potential triggers for headaches, linked to shifts in atmospheric pressure.
The NHS website states: "If you're prone to getting headaches, you could find that grey skies, high humidity, rising temperatures and storms can all bring on head pain. Pressure changes that cause weather changes are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain. This irritates nerves, leading to a headache."
What Can You Do?
When it comes to advice on tackling this symptom, the NHS acknowledges there is little that can be done to alter the weather. However, by checking the forecast, you can predict when a headache is likely and ensure you have painkillers ready. The NHS advises: "There's not much you can do to change the weather. However, by looking at the forecast, you can predict when you're likely to have a headache and make sure you have some painkillers ready for when you might need them."
Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat, and resting in cool environments may also help manage symptoms during the heatwave.
