The past week was filled with paddling pools, hundreds of ice creams, and electric fans used everywhere. The heatwave is beginning to steady into weather which people can cope with.
This comes after Red National Severe Weather Warnings were issued, and we saw the warmest night on record with temperatures in the mid-20’s on Monday night. On Tuesday, the UK’ saw it's highest recorded temperature of 40.2 degrees at Heathrow, which led to grounded flights, mass cancellations, and severe disruptions for travellers at the start of summer holidays.
Extreme weather affects everyone in different ways, but particularly the elderly, those with a serious health condition, and those who work outside or find it hard to keep cool in the rising heat.
The heatwave posed various risks for vulnerable people, including:
- Dehydration
- Overheating (which can lead to worse problems with their heart and breathing)
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
But how did they handle the heatwave?
Bournemouth beach had thousands of people relaxing and enjoying the 30-degree heat. Surfers and sunbathers flocked the beach despite the extreme heat warnings.
University student, Sam Alford, says the beach was crowded at the time: “It was quite cool on Tuesday being by the beach with the sea air, but Monday was awful.
“Monday was very very busy on the beach. I couldn’t stay in the room, had two fans going but it was still unbearable. I just stayed in the sea as it was much cooler”.
Another student, Maddi Drake, also commented on the heat: “I was there on Monday, and it was so crowded.
“Usually, we don’t have to walk very far away from the pier to get a space but we had to keep walking for a while.
“The queues for ice creams were a lot longer than usual and finding a parking space was nearly impossible. Traffic was terrible as well because everyone was trying to get to the beach”.
However, the NHS released tips for how to handle the hot weather:
- Looking over those who may struggle to keep cool and hydrated, such as older people, and those with underlying health conditions
- Closing curtains on rooms facing direct sunlight to keep indoor spaces cool
- Drink plenty of water
- Keeping out of sun between high times (from 11am to 3pm)
- Walk in the shade and wear sun cream and a hat
- Avoid exercising in hottest parts of the day
- Take water with you whenever you travel
As the weather starts to get fresher, it will make it easier for vulnerable people to de-stress from the heat and allow everyone to have a colder break. But remember to keep wearing suncream!