The UKHSA have announced an Amber Heat Health Alert for the South West from Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 10:00 to Thursday 28 May 2026 at 17:00. Please ensure you follow the advice below to stay safe and reduce the risk of illness during hot weather.
Stay out of the heat:
Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
Avoid extreme physical exertion (including brisk activity/exercise)
Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Cool yourself down:
Have plenty of cold drinks and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
Keep your environment cool:
Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in between them and the window space
Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
Electric fans may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35°C.
If you have a health problem:
Keep medicines below 25°C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
Check you know how to seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications and become unwell in the heat.
If you or others feel unwell:
Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.
The NHS website has simple advice on heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and dehydration.
Full Government information can be found on the GOV.uk website: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK, Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK.