Cumbria is set to be hit by a heatwave over the next few days.
The Met Office is expecting temperatures to reach up to 30°C across the county until Monday July 14.
It added that throughout the weekend, conditions will be dry, fine and hot with late sunshine and humid and muggy nights.
A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency and will remain in place until Tuesday July 15.
The alert means that weather’s impact is likely to be felt across the whole health service.
There may be some health impacts across the wider population and workforce and an increase in risk to health for people over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Jason Kelly, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend.
“Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month.
“This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer.
“Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. They are expected to reach 30°C in some areas today and exceed 30°C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33°C possible in parts of England and Wales.
“This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer and pollen and UV levels will be very high in some areas.”
The weather forecaster added that sleeping conditions are likely to be uncomfortable and mist and fog on Friday morning is likely, but that it will quickly burn away.
There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:
- Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
- Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
- Check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours and those with chronic health conditions, and anyone without air conditioning. Ensure they have access to water and a cool environment
Health safety
NHS England in the North West is urging people to take care in the hot weather and use NHS services wisely.
Dr Michael Gregory, regional medical director for NHS England in the North West, said: “We are expecting some very hot weather over the weekend, and I would like people, to not only enjoy the sun, but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.
“We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
“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 morning or evening.”
People are also advised to drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and limit alcohol intake.
Dr Gregory said: “Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases.
“Older people, babies, and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature.
“People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”
The hot weather is also expected to increase the demand for NHS services, especially A&E departments and the 111 phone service. People are asked to use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.
People looking for urgent medical help for under fives should use the 111 phone line.
Pharmacies are also able to help with minor aliments including sunburn, stings, bites, hay fever and minor upset stomachs.
People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- Older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
- Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- People who are physically active and spend considerable time outside such as runners, cyclists, and walkers
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
Water safety
The RNLI is also urging to stay safe around water.
The charity said that in 2024 in the North West alone, it responded to 542 incidents, aided 819 people and made 134,740 preventative actions.
To stay safe, the RNLI is urging the public to:
- Always check the tide times and weather forecast
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live
- If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead for the region, said: “With the hot weather forecast for this weekend, we are encouraging the public to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach.
“Although the air temperature is rising, the sea temperature remains low enough to cause cold water shock. Enter the water slowly, take time to acclimatise and try to relax. We advise wearing a wetsuit and avoid swimming alone.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
“Remember to check the tide times and weather conditions before heading to the beach. This weekend there are big tides, this increases the speed at which the tide comes in and puts the public at greater risk of being cut off.’
“If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
“Please share these messages with your family and friends, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast, and to stay safe whilst doing so.”
Outdoor safety
Temperatures are expected to hit 30°C in Keswick, Ambleside, Ennerdale and 29°C in Ullswater and Windermere over the weekend.
The Lake District National Park is urging people to stay safe and be sensible and prepared, this includes:
- Leave only footprints and take litter home
- Come prepared for all weathers and make sure you have the right gear
- Avoid lighting barbecues
Cumbria Fire Service is also asking people to be wildfire aware during the hot weather.
People are asked to:
- Avoid having open fires, campfires and barbecues
- Put out all cigarettes completely
- Take all litter home
- Take care when parking – don’t block access roads, tracks or gates and be aware hot exhausts on dry grass can ignite fires
If you spot a wildfire, get to a safe place and call 999. Give as much detail as possible about the location and use What3Words if you are able. Explain the direction of the fire and what is burning.
Immediately alert the call handler if anything or anyone is near the fire and in danger.
So, at what point does hot weather class as a heatwave in Cumbria?
In the UK – a heatwave is officially recorded when a region records a period of at least three consecutive days with a temperature that exceeds the heatwave temperature threshold.
The heatwave temperature threshold varies across the UK based on the county and in Cumbria, our heatwave threshold temperature is 25 degrees.
Many parts of the county will exceed the threshold over this weekend, while some areas will be just under the threshold, but will still experience hot heatwave conditions.
