Red heat-health alert issued for Cornwall until Thursday

If you have outdoor plans over the next few days, you may want to think about the timing.

A red heat-health alert has been issued for the South West until 11pm on Thursday 25 June. North, Mid and East Cornwall will fall under the amber warning for extreme heat from midnight tonight, with high temperatures expected across the coming days.

Cornwall Council is asking people to look after themselves and keep an eye on anyone who might struggle in the heat.

Who is most at risk

The advice is to avoid sunburn and heatstroke, and to look out for anyone who could find it hard to stay cool. That means older people, children, babies, and people with an underlying health condition.

How to stay well in the heat

Cornwall Council has shared a set of tips for getting through the hot spell.

Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are at their strongest. If you do have to go out, walk in the shade, put on sunscreen between SPF 30 and 50, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Close the curtains on any rooms that face the sun to keep things cooler inside. It can be cooler outdoors than indoors, so it is worth checking before you settle in.

Drink plenty of fluids and go easy on the alcohol. Take water with you if you are travelling. Avoid hard physical activity during the hottest part of the day.

Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. That goes for infants, young children, vulnerable adults and animals.

If you are planning to cool off with a swim in open water, take care and follow local safety advice.

And check that any medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.