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UK ReadyKnow what to do
Emergency

Extreme heat / heatwave

How to stay safe in a UK heatwave: keep cool, stay hydrated and look out for people at risk.

WHAT TO DO NOW

  1. 1Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
  2. 2Drink plenty of water; avoid excess alcohol and caffeine.
  3. 3Keep your home cool: close curtains on sun-facing windows, open windows when it's cooler outside.
  4. 4Wear light, loose clothing and sunscreen; use shade and a hat outdoors.
  5. 5Check on older people, young children and those with health conditions.
  6. 6Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke — cool the person and call 999 for heatstroke.

What not to do

  • Do not leave anyone (or pets) in a parked car.
  • Do not do strenuous activity in the hottest hours.
  • Do not ignore signs of heatstroke — it is a medical emergency.

What is it?

Extreme heat is a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures. UKHSA and the Met Office issue Heat-Health Alerts. Heat can be dangerous, especially for the very young, older people and those with health conditions.

What might happen?

Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, worsening of existing conditions, poor sleep, and pressure on health services.

First 10 minutes

Get into shade or a cool room. Drink water. Cool your skin with a damp cloth.

First hour

Keep hydrated and cool. Close curtains against the sun. Avoid the midday heat. Check on people at risk.

First 24 hours

Continue to keep cool and hydrated overnight. Watch for heat exhaustion (cool them down within 30 minutes) and heatstroke (call 999).

If it continues for several days

During prolonged heat, follow Heat-Health Alerts and NHS advice; keep checking vulnerable people daily.

Children

Keep babies and children cool and hydrated; never leave them in cars; offer extra drinks and cool baths.

Older & vulnerable people

Older people and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions are most at risk — check on them at least daily.

Pets

Keep pets cool and hydrated, walk dogs early or late, never leave them in cars, and watch for overheating.

Communications

Follow NHS and UKHSA heat advice; sign up to Met Office Heat-Health Alerts where available.

Official sources

This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.

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