Overview
Heatwave advice
Climate change is already causing warmer temperatures in the UK and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer and more intense.
Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Many of the harms linked to heat exposure are preventable if a few simple actions are taken.
People who work or spend time outdoors might be particularly affected by heat and should take extra care.
Be prepared for hot weather
It’s particularly important to be prepared for the heat if you’re at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. Here are some simple things you can do to try and stay cooler during hot weather.
Do
- Listen to the news and check your local weather forecast so that you know when hot weather is expected.
- Look out for local media reports about what to do if services (such as power, water supplies and transport) are likely to be affected.
- Check air pollution forecasts as air pollution can become worse during hot weather and can cause problems for people with asthma and other breathing problems.
- If possible, plan your activities to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm). If you have to be outside, try to stay in the shade where possible.
- Prevent dehydration by drinking cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid caffeine (tea, coffee and cola), drinks high in sugar, and excess alcohol.
- Take plenty of water with you if you’re going outside or travelling (in a car or on public transport).
- Avoid rigorous outdoor activity.
- Take cool (not cold) baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Use fans and air conditioning units if they are available for you.
- Wear light, loose, cotton clothing, a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
- Apply sun cream before going outside in the sun. Make sure you have the right SPF (sun-protection factor), and remember to re-apply it.
- Eat cold food such as salads and fruit which also have a high-water content.
- Continue taking prescribed medicines unless you’re advised not to by a healthcare professional. Some medicines need to be stored below 25C or in the fridge, so follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Keeping your environment cool
While it’s hotter outside than inside (earlier in the day), keep blinds or curtains closed at windows that are exposed to the sun. If possible turn off lights and unused equipment, such as TVs and computers.
Working in hot weather
Your workplace might have an occupational health team who have advice about working in hot weather.
Some companies are willing to consider adjustments to working arrangements to support staff during heatwaves. This might include being flexible around hybrid working arrangements (working from home), or staggering your commuting times to avoid rush hour.
People who are at a higher risk of becoming unwell in hot weather
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but some people are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell. This includes people who are:
- living with underlying health conditions, but particularly heart, breathing or mobility problems, dementia, diabetes, and kidney disease
- physically active outdoors, especially if they work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- aged 65 years old and over
- taking certain medicines, especially if it affects temperature control and sweating
- already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- unable to make changes to their living accommodation, such as people living in hostels
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion
This happens when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion to look out for include:
- tiredness and general weakness
- feeling faint
- headache
- muscle cramps
- feeling or being sick
- heavy sweating
- intense thirst
If you do not do something to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
Call 111 or visit 111 online if:
- you or someone else have symptoms of heat exhaustion that you're struggling to treat, or you need advice.
If you think someone has heatstroke:
- you should call 999 and then try to cool them down.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Cooling down from heat exhaustion or heatstroke
If you or someone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
- remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
- drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water-rich foods like iced lollies
- apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and use cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help.
You should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. You can find out more about symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke on NHS.UK.
More information
The NHS website has information about how to cope in hot weather
The government also has information to help you stay safe during hot weather
Resource number 4761/ver3
Last reviewed: June 2026
Next review due: June 2029
