Cambridgeshire Expecting Heatwave

Met Office forecasts suggest Cambridgeshire may experience “heatwave” conditions during the next few days.

Forecasters say there is a 60 percent probability of heatwave conditions between 0800 on Friday and 0800 on Sunday in parts of England, including the East.

The County Council says that during hot spells, vulnerable groups, such as the older people, feel the acute effects of heat more than others.

Warnings that a heatwave may be imminent are triggered when the Met Office forecasts that there is a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night to have a significant effect on health.

Even if temperatures do not hit extreme levels, Public Health England (PHE) still advises people to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

Top advice for being sun safe:

Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a hat and light scarf. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.

Drink lots of cool drinks

Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses

Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

Remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too. Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

Dr. Liz Robin, Director for Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks. 

Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible."