Leeds weather: Heat health warning issued as residents urged to check on ‘vulnerable people’
Temperatures are set to hit 30C in Leeds over the Bank Holiday ☀️
A heat health warning has been issued for Leeds as temperatures are set to continue to climb over the bank holiday.
Residents are set to enjoy scorching sunshine over the long weekend, with the Met Office now predicting it will hit 30C in the city. The city is set to be warmer than popular destinations like Mykonos in Greece and Ibiza in Spain.
However, due to the spike in temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for Leeds - as well as the wider Yorkshire and the Humber area. It will remain in place over the next few days, the UKHSA has said.
During the heatwave, people are being urged to stay safe and to look out for “vulnerable people”. Yesterday (May 22) marked the hottest day of the year so far - with things due to get even warmer over the next few days.
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:
keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and
sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
A UK heatwave is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region’s heatwave threshold.
The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, recorded in Camden Square, London, in 1922.
Alzheimer’s Society said people can support loved ones or neighbours with dementia by leaving drinking water within easy reach and ensuring they opt for light-coloured, airy clothes, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, take cool showers and keep blinds closed.
The British Heart Foundation said those with heart conditions face specific risks because the organ has to work harder to keep the body’s core temperature at normal levels while blood vessels dilate, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.
Hotter conditions often lead to a surge in ambulance callouts and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescues along UK coastlines as people experience heat stress or get into trouble in the water.
Cancer Research UK urged people to enjoy the sun safely by covering up and using sunscreen.
Its most recent data for the year 2022 shows there were 20,980 new cases of melanoma, the highest number it has ever seen.
New analysis from the charity also suggests the number of people told they have melanoma will reach 26,500 a year by 2040.