Level 4 Extreme Heat Warning For Cambridgeshire

Health experts are urging people to prepare for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday with a level 4 red warning in place for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The exceptionally hot temperatures mean that overnight temperatures may not fall below 20 Celsius in some locations, especially cities and larger towns.  

Cambridge currently holds the UK’s record high temperature of 38.7 Celsius – and there is a reasonable chance this will be beaten next week, with a risk of temperatures reaching an unprecedented 40 Celsius.

The Red alert has been issued as there is a risk to health from such high temperatures, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat. This can lead to serious illness or be a danger to life. 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 sunscreen, 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.
Please think twice before going into open water to cool-down as this can be dangerous, take care and follow local safety advice

Danger symptoms to watch out for in hot weather include:

- feeling faint and dizzy
- short of breath
- vomiting
- increasing confusion