A Red Met Office Heat-health Alert has been issued for the West Midlands and will be in effect between 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June.

What does this mean?

The Met Office has advised there will be extreme heat from 1am on Wednesday to 11pm on Thursday. There will also be high humidity at the same time, which may make the heat feel more ‘oppressive’.

There are risks to health, and risks to life, at these temperatures for the fit and healthy, and not just high-risk groups. Substantial changes to daily routines may be required to ensure everyone is protected.

Who is most at risk?

These temperatures will require everyone to take precautions to protect themselves during the hot weather.

However, some people (e.g. older people, those with serious long-term conditions) will be more vulnerable. Check the NHS Heatwave page for more information.

What guidance should I be following? 

• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest  
• Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake  
• Keep your home cool by closing windows, curtains and blinds during the day and opening them at night when the temperature outside has gone down.   
• Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them  
• If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently  
• If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening  

Where can I find more guidance?  

• General hot weather guidance is available from the NHS, UK Health Security Agency, Met Office and Birmingham City Council  
• Water safety guidance is available from the Met Office and Swim England   
• Heatwave and fire safety guidance is available from the West Midlands Fire Service  

 
For vulnerable groups and those who work with them: 

• Red Cross provides guidance to all vulnerable groups  
• UK Health Security Agency provides guidance for people who work with vulnerable groups (e.g. social care managers, healthcare professionals, those working with homeless people, teachers and those working with children)  
• NHS provides guidance for babies and young children, UK Health Security Agency has further information for those working in schools and other education settings  
• Age UK provides guidance for older adults in a heatwave  
• NHS Devon has pulled together guidance for those with long-term conditions  

What should I do now?

Everyone should prepare now for the upcoming period of hot weather.

Ensure you, and anyone you work with or care for, know when the extreme heat is predicted, and what guidance they should be following. Take extra care with those who are most at risk.

Please share this information with any friends, family, neighbours or colleagues who may benefit from this advice.

How can I keep updated?

You can sign up to receive heat-health alerts directly, via the Met Office website.

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