Met Office issues amber warning ahead of hottest day of the year - here are some tips for staying cool

The Met Office have issued an Amber warning following the arrival of a heatwave (Getty Images) The Met Office have issued an Amber warning following the arrival of a heatwave (Getty Images)
The Met Office have issued an Amber warning following the arrival of a heatwave (Getty Images)

The UK is set to be hit by a heatwave this weekend, with the Met Office warning that temperatures could reach a year-high.

An amber warning, the second highest available, has been issued for Friday, with forecasters predicting that temperatures could reach 38C in some areas of the country.

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Citizens have been warned to take extra care of the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and young children.

East and southeast England hardest hit

Met Office's chief meteorologist Dan Suri said that temperatures will be hottest in parts of England and Wales.

He said: "although much of the UK can expect a spell of warm and sunny weather lasting into early next week, it’s going to turn very hot for parts of England and Wales with temperatures widely reaching above 30C on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

“Friday is likely to be the hottest day with temperatures of 36C to 37C in parts of east and south-east England. It’s possible temperatures could reach similar levels on Saturday, before falling slightly on Sunday.

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“There’s also a small chance temperatures could reach close to 38C in one or two spots in the south-east on Friday, but this will partly depend on the chance of cloud spreading in from the south-west during the afternoon. Along with hot weather by day, it will stay warm and humid overnight with temperatures remaining in the high teens and low 20s celsius.”

What does Amber health warning mean?

The amber health warning is triggered when the Met Office "confirms threshold temperatures for one of more regions have been reached for one day and the following night, and the forecast for the next day has a greater than 90% confidence level that the day threshold temperature will be met. "

This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

Tips for staying cool in hot weather

The Met Office recommends taking the following steps to stay cool during hot weather:

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
  • Stay cool indoors: many of us will need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool.
  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
  • If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance in line with social distancing guidelines.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
  • 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.
  • Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.