Heat Warning Upgraded to Red Warning for Extreme Heat

With amber warnings in place for extreme heat across Salisbury, South Wiltshire and West Hampshire, a red warning is now in place for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The current heat wave is expected to see temperatures across South Wiltshire rise to 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday this week, with temperatures topping 30 degrees every day until Thursday. 

Image: Met Office

The high temperatures are likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

• Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life
• Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
• High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services
• Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
• Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays

Schools across the area have already responded and will continue to update their advice. Keep an eye on their official social media channels and other communication methods for the latest from your schools. 

How to keep as cool as possible. The Met Office has issued the following advice:

1. Keeping yourself cool

The heat can affect your health and make you feel unwell. There are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe: 

• Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11 am to 3 pm when the sun is the strongest 
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Close your curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If you are going out, take water with you, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat

2. Keeping cool on public transport

Make the most of the weather by staying well whilst using public transport. Follow these easy tips to keep cool:

• Carry some water with you and drink lots of fluids
• If you feel unwell, get off at the next stop for some fresh air
• Dress light, choose light fabrics in light colours
• Help others - for anyone struggling, ice packs/cold compresses to wrists, neck, elbows can help them cool down quickly
• Take a small hand-held battery fan

3. Stay safe in the water

If you're planning on enjoying the water, here are 3 simple ways you can help keep yourself safer:

• Check the water temperature, our seas and river temperatures are low enough to cause cold water shock when 15°C or lower
• Wear a wetsuit if you plan on spending any length of time in the water
• Wearing a life jacket or a swimming buoy can increase your chances if you experience cold water shock

4. Looking after others

Help to protect the vulnerable people that you know, including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone. They may need support to keep cool and hydrated. For more advice, visit the NHS website.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, stay up to date with the weather in your area.