TEMPERATURES have soared across the country today in a heatwave that is set to last all week.

It will be hottest on Tuesday when the Met Office has predicted it will reach a high of 30 degrees. From Thursday the temperature will drop to about 20 degrees with more cloud coverage.

But today, at 28 degrees, Salisbury is as hot as Miami, Rome and Istanbul, and hotter than Tokyo and Lagos, Nigeria.

The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health alert this morning (Monday, July 18) that means that there is a high chance that temperatures will hit certain thresholds for two days and the intervening night. Public Health England have issued a health warning as a result of the temperature.

Mike Wade, deputy director of health protection for Public Health England South West said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there’s nothing to really worry about.

“But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.

“This summer we’re urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you’re able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated. This is a good time, before the warmer weather arrives, to think about who you may be able to assist and what you may be able to do – there’s lots of guidance on the NHS Choices and more detail in the Heatwave Plan for England."

Public Health England issues the following advice for hot weather:

  • Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
  • Drink plenty of water - sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • Open windows when it feels cooler outside and it’s safe to do so
  • 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
  • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes