Met Office alert on 3 symptoms many people ‘likely to experience’ next week

Met Office alert on 3 symptoms many people ‘likely to experience’ next week The Met Office has warned of signs the “wider population” will feel Millions of people are due to be affected by a “hot spell” across the South of England, the Midlands and parts of Wales next week. The Met Office has issued a rare amber warning for extreme heat as it said most people are likely to feel some symptoms from the weather. This is the most extreme heat warning that the Met Office has issued in the last four years, with the last one being issued in August 2022. Officials have said it will have “widespread impact” on both people and infrastructure, warning that some people may even have to change their work patterns on these days. The warning is in place from 1am on Monday June 22 until 23:59pm on Tuesday, June 23. Temperatures in the region will be climbing to around 30°C over the weekend but it will continue to climb with the hot spell peaking on Monday and Tuesday at around 34°C. However, the Met Office noted there’s “a chance” some areas could get even hotter than this. People who are vulnerable to the heat may experience some negative health effects but the temperatures are expected to reach such a heat that even the general population could begin displaying some symptoms. The warning states: “The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses.” Three key signs of heat exhaustion: - Dehydration - Nausea - Fatigue According to the NHS, the symptoms of dehydration can differ between children and adults. It can usually be treated by drinking fluids and oral rehydration solutions that pharmacists can recommend. But if left untreated, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses can be fatal as the lack of fluids may cause a critical drop in blood pressure that affects the kidneys, brain and heart. Symptoms of dehydration in adults: - feeling thirsty - headache and feeling light-headed - dark yellow, strong-smelling pee - peeing less often than usual - feeling dizzy or lightheaded - feeling tired - a dry mouth, lips and tongue - sunken eyes Symptoms of dehydration in babies: - a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head - sunken eyes - few or no tears when they cry - fewer wet nappies than usual - being drowsy or irritable The Met Office also warned there could be travel delays, potential power cuts or heat-sensitive system failures and added: “Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.” To stay cool in hot weather, the Met Office advises: - Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm - Drink plenty of fluids - Close your curtains in rooms that face the sun If you must go outside during the day, take water with you and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Even if you manage to stay shaded, wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your skin safe too.