July heatwave: Elderly 'at risk' in temperatures set to beat 'all-time record'

The July heatwave is set to continue with the Met Office’s chief meteorologist Frank Saunders warning: "There is a real possibility of records being broken this week, not only for July but also all-time records”, prompting concern for children and older people in the sweltering heat.

Forecasts for Thursday are predicting that temperatures could reach as high as 39C (102.2F), which would break the previous current all-time record of 38.5C (101.3F), logged in Faversham in August 2003.

This follows temperatures yesterday reaching up to 33C in some areas, followed by a storm overnight and temperatures reaching highs of 28C today.

The Met Office announced in a Tweet today: “It's looking likely that we could reach 39°C somewhere in southern and eastern England on Thursday. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK is 38.5°C

“There is currently a 60 per cent chance we could break this on Thursday, depending on the amount of cloud.”

The NHS and other health organisations are warning that vulnerable people, including children and older people, should stay out of the sun.

The NHS tweeted: "Try to avoid spending extended periods in the sun this week. Also, be aware that vulnerable people are at increased risk of health issues."

Martin Jones, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: “It’s so important to look after the older members of our society – if you have elderly relatives or neighbours, check in on them to make sure they are coping in the heat. A phone call or a knock on the door to check-in could really make all the difference.”

Their tips to stay cool include:

1. Avoid being outside during the hottest times of the day (between 11am-3pm) and if it is necessary for you to be outside during that time, keep it as brief as possible and find shady spots.

2. Ensure to hydrate – even if you don’t feel thirsty it is very important to drink plenty of water or fruit juices to replace fluids lost during sweating, use ice to help keep cool at the same time. Try to avoid either alcohol of caffeine which can increase dehydration.

3. Keep cool inside your home – be sure to keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent the sun heating up rooms, especially your bedroom. Find where the coolest spot in the home is and try to stick to it.

4. Dress for the weather – choose light, loose clothing to help keep cool. Cotton and linen materials in light colours are the best options in the heat.

5. Cool down – take a cool shower or bath if able, or bath your feet in a bowl of cold water. If this is difficult use cotton handkerchiefs or flannels soaked in cold water and place on the back of your neck or on your wrists to help you cool down.

6. Cover up – if outside it’s important to wear a hat to cover your head and keep your face in the shade.

7. Keep windows open during the night if safe to do so, or use a fan.

8. Turn off any non-essential lights or electrical items inside the house to help keep the in-side temperature down.

9. Ensure if you do venture outside that you apply sun screen to prevent sunburn and carry water with you.

click here for more details or to contact Home Instead