UK heatwave: Parents warn children to stay out of the sun

As a heat alert continues in parts of the UK, parents are advised to limit sun exposure for their children.

UK heatwave: Parents warn children to stay out of the sun

As a heat alert continues in parts of the UK, parents are advised to limit sun exposure for their children.

Sheffield Children's Hospital advised that children should wear light-coloured clothing to cover as much skin as possible as temperatures are likely to reach 30C (86F)

High temperatures are expected in the south and east of England.

Heatwaves are becoming more common due to human-caused climate change.

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust recommended that parents ensure that children get enough water and are able to find cool places.

"Don't let your children spend too much time in the sun. It advised that children should find cool places and rest in the shade.

Children should be dressed in light clothing when they're out in the sun. Even if children are covered, they should be covered with high-factor sun cream from head to toe.

The first sign that your child is experiencing heat is when they complain of headaches or become grumpy.

"If they do this, move them to a cool place where it is shaded. Take off all clothing and give them water.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has also encouraged people to be aware of vulnerable people in the heat.

On Friday, St James' Park in London recorded a high of 28.5C.

An alert of heat-health level 3 has been issued for East and South England. A level 2 alert is in effect for the rest.

Both alert levels will be in effect from Monday 11 July to Friday 15 July.

The Met Office declares heatwave when it observes at least three consecutive days of high temperatures exceeding a certain temperature. This varies from one area to the next.

The weather service issues heat-health warnings when the heatwave thresholds have been passed. This is sent to social and health care professionals to help them take steps to reduce the heat's impact on their patients.

South West Water described the demand for tap water at a higher level than usual and asked customers to save five litres per day.

According to the company, it had anticipated increased demand in hotter weather. However, an economy drive could prevent 10 million litres from being wasted water.

The firm stated that high water demand can put pressure on the network, and could lead to customers with low pressure.

According to Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA, temperatures will remain "consistently hot" for the week ahead.

People are advised to keep hydrated and seek shade during the peak UV radiation hours (between 11:00 and 15:00 BST).

According to the agency, those with chronic health conditions or who are elderly, as well as people living alone, are at greatest risk.

This suggests that you shade or cover windows that are exposed to direct sunlight. Also, make sure fans and refrigerators work properly and that medications are properly stored.

On 17 June, the UK declared a heatwave - the hottest day in the year.

On Thursday, Northern Ireland experienced its hottest day so far in 2022 with temperatures of 23.5C.

In the next few days, Scotland could experience highs of 23C.

Since the beginning of industrialization in the second half of the 18th Century, the world has warmed by around 1.1C. Temperatures will continue rising unless there are drastic cuts made to carbon emissions.

According to the British Red Cross, heat-related deaths could triple in the UK in the next 30 years. There were 2,500 extra deaths in England in 2020 due to hot weather.