Temperatures are rising over the next few days and the Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave Alert for the South East Region for next week.

This includes Surrey and Hampshire, with the thermometer is set to hit the low 30s in some parts of the county.

Ahead of the heatwave, Hampshire County Council has shared its tips for ‘staying well’ during the hot weather.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for adult services and public health, said: “Planning ahead for hot weather is vital, particularly for those for whom the heat poses possible health risks.

“These include babies and young children, the elderly and those with chronic or long-term conditions. It’s good to prepare wherever possible, for example, by shopping ahead for food and medicines, and looking out for others.”

Advice as the temperature rises, is to:

  • Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
  • Apply sunscreen, wear loose, lightweight cotton clothing, a hat, and sunglasses
  • Have plenty of cold drinks – avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
  • Avoid physical exertion – it is important that outdoor workers stay out of the sun and take measures to keep cool and hydrated.

Keep your environment cool:

  • Keep your bedroom and living space cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can  
  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat
  • Electric fans may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35 degrees C
  • Seek medical advice if you have a chronic long-term condition or are taking multiple medications
  • Keep medications that require storing below 25 degrees C in the refrigerator
  • Follow storage instructions on packaging

For information on heat-related illnesses and what to do should you or someone you know feel unwell visit the NHS website. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know becomes unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.

Keeping Hampshire moving

The Hampshire Highways team is also getting ready to treat any melting road surfaces. Where needed, gritter lorries will spread light dustings of sand, which acts like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen. Rural locations and older surfaces which are exposed and south facing are most likely to be affected. Residents can help keep Hampshire moving by reporting road problems online.   

Travel advice

Anyone who expects to be travelling next week should read the AA’s advice for planning ahead to avoid congestion and keeping everyone cool and well in hot cars.