British summertime is traditionally a temperamental time for weather – any given day could be rain or shine.
Not this year! the summer of 2018 has definitely been about sunshine as the Met Office predict that this glorious heatwave will last until the end of August.
The all-time record in the UK is 38.5° C at Faversham on 10 August 2003.
Following the very hot temperatures recently, the Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave Alert, which means there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions between now and 9am on Friday 27 July. Follow our practical sun safety advice:
walk in the shade and keep out of the sun over lunchtime.
- Apply SPF 15 sunscreen with UVA protection
- drink lots of cool drinks and take water with you when travelling
never leave anyone in a parked vehicle, even if the window is open - Wear loose, light coloured clothing, preferably made from natural fibres such as cotton. Tightly woven fabrics form a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays;
- Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck;
- Try to work in shaded areas, erect temporary covers if possible;
- Arrange for breaks in cooler, shaded areas;
- Ensure you have access to and drink plenty of water;
- Use a high factor sunscreen of at least factor 15 on areas of the skin exposed to sunlight.
The very young and older people among us, as well as chronically ill people, are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather conditions.
If you know anyone who fits into those categories – please share these tips with them.
Further advice on how to stay safe in the hot weather here:
Barnet Council’s hot weather advice
Enjoy summer, but stay cool where you can and take care in the heat.