UK — The Met Office issued a red weather warning for extreme heat that will be in effect from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday. The warning covers an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham.

The UK Health Security Agency also issued a red alert health warning. A heat-dome settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of nearly 40C by Wednesday. The current heatwave is expected to surpass the UK record for June of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes too hot and struggles to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include excessive sweating, headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, cramps, fast breathing or pulse, a temperature of 38C or above, and thirst. To address heat exhaustion, individuals should rest in a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, cool their skin with water or cold packs, fan moist skin, and drink water. People with heat exhaustion should begin to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. Urgent medical help should be sought if a person does not improve after 30 minutes of rest.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms include not sweating despite feeling hot, a temperature of 40C or above, fast breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and unresponsiveness. Older adults, young children, and people with long-term health conditions are at particular risk. Heat exhaustion can also affect individuals who are fit and healthy, especially after strenuous exercise in high temperatures or alcohol consumption in direct sun. Certain medicines can make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature or increase the likelihood of sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration.

Dr. Ranj Singh appeared on BBC Morning Live and stated that solar heat is at its highest between 3pm and 5pm. He advised delaying social activities to later in the evening when it is cooler. Dr. Luke Powles from Bupa Health Clinics advised moving people with heat exhaustion symptoms to a cool place, having them lie down with their feet up, giving them water, and cooling their skin with cold packs or towels.