The Director of Public Health has issued a Heatwave Health Alert with a Level 2 / Yellow Warning. Members of the public should be alert to how hot weather can affect their health.

Temperatures are expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius for 3 consecutive days.

What to do:

• Drink water regularly – even if you’re not thirsty.

• Avoid going out, if possible, during the hottest times of the day – 2pm to 6pm.

• Wear light, loose clothes and use sunscreen.

• Check on neighbours or family who might need help.

• If you work outside, take regular breaks in the shade.

• If you need medical advice, call 111.

• If a person becomes unconscious, call 999.

In response to rising temperatures across Europe, the GHA will issue these Heatwave Health Alerts to let you know when to take action.

Anyone can be affected by the heat, but people who are more at risk include:

• Young children

• Pregnant women

• Over 60s

• People with diabetes or heart conditions

The thresholds for these Heatwave Health Alerts are:

• Level 1: Green – Get Ready for Summer
  There’s no immediate risk from the heat, but it’s a good time to get prepared.

• Level 2: Yellow – Be Alert (31°C or higher)
  Hot weather is on the way. Most people will be fine, but older adults, children under 5, pregnant women and those with diabetes and/or heart conditions are at higher risk.

• Level 3: Amber – Heatwave (35°C or higher)
  The heat could affect everyone, especially if it lasts several days. This level is more serious.

• Level 4: Red – Extreme Heat (40°C or higher)
  This is a heat emergency and high temperatures could last for more than one day. Even healthy people can feel unwell. The whole community needs to act.

For further information, see: https://www.gha.gi/public-health/heat-advice/

ENDS