Extremely hot weather is forecast from Sunday until Tuesday. Currently, the Met Office forecast for Wolverhampton is for temperatures of up to 28°c on Sunday, 33°c on Monday and 34°c on Tuesday. For the latest forecast, visit Met Office.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The heatwave we are currently experiencing poses a real threat to public health, so please ensure you do all you can to stay safe by following the public health advice and drinking lots of cold water. Please check on those you know who may be at greater risk during this hot spell, which looks set to get very intense from Sunday through to Tuesday."
Top tips to stay safe include:
- keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are likely to be highest
- wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce exposure to the eyes
- stay in the shade and apply sun cream of at least sun protection factor 15 with UVA protection
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes, and a wide brimmed hat and light scarf to minimise the risk of sunburn
- avoid physical exertion
- drink plenty of cold drinks, avoiding excess alcohol
- look out for others, especially those more vulnerable, like the elderly
- never leave anyone, especially infants, young children or animals, in a closed, parked vehicle
- keep your home cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening windows at cooler times of the day and overnight
- turn off non essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat
- stay safe when swimming outdoors, and only enter the water in areas with adequate supervision and rescue cover.
Please remember that anyone suffering from severe heat exhaustion or heatstroke will require hospital treatment.
The Met Office says it is expected that population wide adverse health effects will be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life.
Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required, and there is high risk of failure of heat sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services.
Significantly more people will be visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents. Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, will cause significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.
It adds that exceptional temperatures are likely on Monday and Tuesday. Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, though temperatures are expected to drop away from Wednesday.
To see the Government's Heatwave Plan for England, visit Heatwave Plan for England. General heat safety advice is available at Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather. For help and advice about keeping pets and other animals safe during the heatwave, please visit RSPCA.
