The Met Office issued its first extreme heat warning as temperatures were forecast to top 30C across much of the area again today (Tuesday 20 July).
And as the amber alert was issued yesterday, with temperatures expected to remain high all week, health chiefs in Sussex urged people to take care of themselves and others.
The official forecaster only introduced extreme heat warnings last month.
Sussex NHS commissioners said yesterday: “A further heat-health alert has been issued as the Met Office announced high temperatures will continue through much of the coming week across Sussex.
“The NHS in Sussex is warning residents and visitors about the health risks posed by the hot weather and issuing advice on how to stay safe during a heatwave.
“Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone but those who are most vulnerable should take extra care and people are being reminded to look out for others.
“We are reminding people to take extra care of themselves and check in with their loved ones while out enjoying the hot weather this week.
“In the NHS we often see an impact on emergency and urgent care when there is a heatwave, with more people coming in with dehydration and heatstroke.
“For some people, a heatwave can pose a serious health risk, especially older people, children and babies and those with long-term health conditions.
“Much of the hot weather advice is common sense, such as drinking plenty of water and sticking to the shade.
“But it’s also worth checking in with family, friends and neighbours during the hot weather to make sure they have the support they need, especially if they are higher risk.”
A heatwave can affect anyone but the most vulnerable people are
· older people – especially those over 75
· those who live on their own or in a care home
· people who have a serious or long-term illness
· those who may find it hard to keep cool
· people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places
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Tips for coping in hot weather
· look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
· use sunscreen with at least factor 30spf if going outside
· stay cool indoors
· close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler
· drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
· try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
· walk in the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the heat
· make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
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If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Find out about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and when to get help
Get medical advice by calling NHS 111 or going online to 111.NHS.uk or using the NHS app.
