Saturday 27 June 2009

Phew isn't it Hot!

I have just received a belated Father’s Day Card in the post from Jamaica. Ben and Hannah sound to be having a wonderful time. The temperature has been around a hundred degrees (YES, A HUNDRED DEGREES FAHRENHEIT) for most of the time, but tempered with a light breeze, which has made things bearable!




They are planning on a ride in a glass bottomed boat, kayaking, and going on a catamaran. We will no doubt be filled in on the full details when we pick then up from Manchester International Airport at around 07.00 BST on Monday morning.




We seem to have been having a fairly good spot of weather here at the moment, with the temperatures in the mid seventies for most of the week. Today, the temperature is at 23.5 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit.) Although there has not been as much direct sunlight just more hot and sultry.

I was interested to read that the Met Office in its wisdom has published a heat wave warning.





There is a 60% risk of a heat wave for Monday and Tuesday with daytime highs in London reaching 32C and remaining warm at night.
NHS staff have been warned to prepare for a surge of elderly and ill patients suffering from the heat.
The Department of Health has also asked people to check up on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
The Met Office has predicted that around the country daytime temperatures could reach 29-30C, (86 Fahrenheit) with minimum night-time temperatures of 15-18C (64 Fahrenheit).
London, the East of England, South West, South East and the Midlands are the most likely to be affected. Officials had already said this summer may be warmer than the past couple of years




Heat wave guidance
A Department of Health spokesman said consecutive hot days could be dangerous for people with heart and respiratory problems and in extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Ozone can be a big problem for those with breathing problems but although levels can be high during the day in a heat wave, they drop at night so staying indoors in the middle of the day can help.
"Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential.



"The elderly and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during hot weather and the most oppressive conditions occur in our towns and cities."
"Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside.
"People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day."
If anyone is worried that their home or that of a relative or neighbour is too hot they should contact their local environmental health officer, he added.
Other advice in the government's heat wave plan includes drinking cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol.






HOW TO COPE WITH A HEAT WAVE
Plan your day so you stay out of the heat.
Avoid going out 11am-3pm - the hottest part of the day.
If you go out, stay in shade, wear hat and light, loose clothes.
Carry water.
Take cool showers or baths - splash yourself with cold water, particularly face and back of your neck.
Eat as normal. Eat more cold food - salads and fruit.


HEAT WAVE ALERTS
Level 1 - Awareness - general vigilance during summer.
Level 2 - Alert - triggered when heat wave temperatures are predicted in at least one region.
Level 3 – Heat wave - triggered when threshold temperatures have been reached in at least one region.
Level 4 - Emergency - where the heat wave is classed as severe and prolonged.


So there you have it. Now you know how to survive and enjoy a heatwave. I would suggest you make the most of it whilst it is here. With our climate it may be snowing next week!



1 comment:

  1. It was pleasantly wrm, as we sat in a car park in Dalby Foreat last night for over n hour without moving!!!! We had been to see Paul Weller (ex The Jam) and although it had rained for a short while before and was drizzly all night, it certainly didnt put a 'damper' on things!!!!!!!

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