Heatwaves: Stay safe in hot weather 2026

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. When the hot weather hit this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.

• Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather ( NHS website)
• Beat the Heat: Staying safe in Hot weather ( UK health Security Agency)

Actions you can take to stay safe in hot weather😎

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm ⌚
• if you are going to do a physical activity, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen👒🕶️
• drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake💧
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Keeping your baby safe in the sun

Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by:

• dehydration
• heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• sunburn

Click here for the NHS website tips for keeping your child happy and healthy in the heat.

Watch out for signs of heat-related illness

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Find out about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help

 Further tips and guidance:

• Sunscreen and Sun Safety 
• How to treat Sunburn
• Dehydration
• Beat the heat: Staying safe in hot weather Booklet (EASY READ)