How to stay well in hot weather
Advice on how to cope in hot weather and heatwaves, how to keep yourself and home cool, signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and staying safe in water.
Why hot weather is a threat to your health
The climate emergency is making hot summers more likely. Thousands of people in England died in summer 2022 when temperatures reached 40ºC. So it’s important to take the health effects of high temperatures seriously.
This page focuses on the health impacts of hot weather, but you can read more about the climate emergency and our response in Southwark.
Who may be most at risk during hot weather
While many people enjoy the sunshine, for some hot weather can lead to serious health problems. Older people, people with long-term conditions, babies, young children and homeless people can be particularly vulnerable.
How to keep cool during hot weather
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol and take water with you if you're travelling
- familiarise yourself with the NHS tips on how to cope in hot weather
- keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when the UV rays are the strongest
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and light scarf
- avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day
- eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
- take a cool shower, bath or body wash
How to help others during hot weather
- be aware of the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and when to get help
- look out for friends, family and neighbours, particularly older people and young children who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
- if you're concerned about someone sleeping rough please tell the charity StreetLink using their app or the website - this will help local outreach teams to contact them
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- if you have a baby, follow guidance from the Lullaby Trust on how to keep them safe over summer
How to keep your home cool during hot weather
- shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight - external shutters or shades are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective but cheaper and easier to install
- take a break from the heat by moving to a cooler part of the house (especially for sleeping)
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly (fans may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35°C)
- open windows (when it's safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside than inside; for example, at night to try to get air flowing through the home
- check that your central heating is turned off
- turn off lights and electrical equipment that is not in use
- get free advice from London South Bank University’s Energy Advice Centre
- get further tips on health and hot weather from the UK government
Ways of keeping cool away from your home
- it may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building such as places of worship, or supermarkets
- you can visit a cool space such as one of our libraries or leisure centres between June and September
Check you're storing medicines correctly
Make sure medicines are stored according to the instructions on the packaging. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Travelling on public transport during hot weather
The hot weather can also affect travel. Before you travel check TfL for travel alerts and National Rail travel alerts as trains may be running at reduced speeds. Try to carry a bottle of water with you. You can find free drinking water at thousands of locations with Refill London.
Water safety during hot weather
Take care and follow local safety advice if you're going into the water to cool down, for example, swimming in open water like the river or in docks. Going into the water might seem like a good idea in the hot weather, but it's incredibly dangerous as the water is much colder than expected. Cold water can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are, causing:
- panic
- anxiety
- disorientation
- loss of control of your muscles
These reactions can also cause you to gasp for air and breathe in water. Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water. On average the UK and Ireland sea temperatures are 12°C. Rivers such as the Thames are colder – even in the summer.
Where you can swim and enjoy water features in Southwark
Our leisure centres are open for safe swimming and some parks have water features for children to play in and cool off. Visit the web pages below for more details:
How we respond to a Met Office heatwave alert
When the Met Office issues a heatwave warning, this triggers the borough’s heatwave action plan. Teams across the council then follow plans to support and protect vulnerable people across the borough.
The impact of climate change means that summer heatwaves are now 30 times more likely than they were previously. Therefore, it's vital that everyone is aware of how to keep themselves and others safe in hot weather.
If you need help accessing support to keep your home cool, or for help with food or bills, and are aged over 60, contact Ageing Well Southwark on 0207 358 4077.
Page last updated: 17 May 2024
