UK households have been urged to stay inside and close doors on Sunday and Monday this weekend as the hot weather conditions are likely to bake parts of the country. The Met Office forecast that the temperature levels are expected to soar to sizzling 25C on May 11 and May 12 in London and nearby areas.
The National Weather Agency estimated that the warmer conditions will begin to hit the country from Saturday (May 10) when the temperature will be recorded at 23C. It will then soar to 25C for the next two days before it slips down to 22C for the remaining week. And during these days, staying outside between 11am-3pm is not advisable.
One should try to stay out of the heat as much as possible when the extreme conditions strike. Brits are advised to stay inside their homes between these four hours and close their curtains.
The Met Office explains: “Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.”
The authorities suggest that the windows can be opened at night once there is a drop in the temperature outside. People can also use electric fans if the temperature is below 35 degrees. The NHS also advises checking the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
During the warmer days, you should drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day from 11am to 3pm and make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
The extreme weather conditions could lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or being sick, and high temperature, among others.
According to the NHS, if someone is showing any symptoms of heat exhaustion, then that person must immediately move to a cool place. It is advisable to remove all unnecessary clothing, such as a jacket or socks and get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
It added: “Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.”