Cambridgeshire residents urged to take precautions amid heatwave

Health experts are urging people to take extra care with the Met Office triggering a level three heatwave alert for Cambridgeshire.

The level three heat health alert is expected to last until this Friday (July 15) with temperatures rising over the week. The alert has been issued as there is a risk to health from such high temperatures, particularly for vulnerable people.

Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense. Before hot weather arrives, it is a good time to think about what you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends from heat.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

• Close curtains and windows during the day, when it is hotter outside and open them at night
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sun cream, cover up with clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling

During warm weather, going for a swim or taking a cool shower can provide much welcomed relief. However, think twice before going into open water to cool down as this can be dangerous, take care and follow local safety advice.

[Read more: Cambridgeshire residents urged to be cautious in the heatwave]

Cambridgeshire County Council’s director for public health, Jyoti Atri, said: “Most of us welcome sunny weather, but heatwaves bring real health risks for some people, including older people, those with underlying health conditions, babies and people who work outside.

“Please keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.”

The forecast for Cambridgeshire for the rest of the week is as follows:

• Monday, July 11 - dry and hot with sunny spells, highs of 33 degrees
• Tuesday, July 12 - mostly dry and still hot. However, it will become generally cloudier through the day, perhaps with the odd spot of rain arriving in the evening, highs of 31 degrees
• Wednesday, July 13 - still dry with sunny spells but feeling fresher than earlier in the week, highs of 25 degrees
• Thursday, July 14 - still dry and warm though slightly cooler than Wednesday with highs of 24 degrees
• Friday, July 15 - slightly warmer than Thursday with highs of 25 degrees
• Saturday, July 16 - following the fresher weather, noticeably warmer with highs of 28 degrees
• Sunday, July 17 - continues to warm up again, with temperatures set to reach 32 degrees