Temperatures are set to soar as a heatwave hits Cumbria.
The Met Office is expecting temperatures to reach up to 28°C across the county over the next few days, with thunder and uncomfortable sleeping conditions likely.
‘Rouge’ and late evening thunderstorms alongside very hot weather and a few scattered showers are also expected widely across Cumbria.
Temperatures are expected to lower slightly towards the end of the week, but peak temperatures currently being predicted for the next few days are:
- Carlisle – 27°C
- Workington – 24°C
- Whitehaven – 25°C
- Barrow – 26°C
- Penrith – 28°C
- Keswick – 27°C
- Egremont – 26°C
- Kendal – 27°C
- Ulverston – 26°C
- Cockermouth – 25°C
- Ambleside – 27°C
- Seascale – 26°C
- Millom – 26°C
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a yellow heat health alert that will remain in place until tomorrow evening.
The alert means that the 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.
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Wednesday brings a more complex picture, with high temperatures but also the chance of thunderstorms arriving in the evening.
“During Wednesday daytime, temperatures could peak at 34°C, with the heat shifting eastwards into east England, while parts of Scotland could also see temperatures above 30°C.
“By the evening, there is an increased risk of thunderstorms across northern areas, with the potential for some fairly wet weather.
“Whilst the exact location for these unsettled conditions remains uncertain, it’s possible a warning may be issued closer to the time.”
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 reminding people to stay safe and look after each other in the hot weather.
Dr Michael Gregory, regional medical director, is asking people to take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
He said: “Most people will be enjoying the sunny weather and taking the opportunity to get out and about, so we just want to make sure people have all the information they need to stay safe in the sun by taking precautions to keep well and avoid needing to use NHS services.
“Staying out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm can lower the risk of becoming unwell, and 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 added: “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 become unwell in 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
People are also being urged to follow RNLI safety advice when around water and do the following:
- 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
While temperatures are high – sea and water body temperatures remain low enough to cause cold water shock.
Enter the water slowly, take time to acclimatise and try to relax. Wear a wetsuit, avoid swimming alone and always wear a bright coloured hat and a buoyancy aid when open water swimming.
To 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.
If you are in difficulty or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Outdoor safety
People are also being urged to be safe and sensible while out in green spaces or in the national park this weekend by doing the following:
- Leave only footprints and take litter home
- Come prepared for all weathers and make sure you have the right gear – including plenty of water
- Avoid lighting barbecues, campfires or any kind of fire
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.
