Hot weather advice

29 June 2009

People in Jersey are being advised to drink plenty of water and to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, as temperatures rise over the next few days.

Jersey’s Met office is forecasting highs of 29 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Principal Meteorological Officer, Anthony Pallot, said: “Although temperatures are expected to become hot by midweek we are not forecasting a heat wave. The UK Met Office is currently assessing the heat wave risk in the south west at 50%. For Jersey the risk is lower than this; indeed, we are forecasting relatively cooler weather (lower 20s) from Friday and into the early part of next week.”

However, the Public Health Department are advising people to take care. Hot weather can cause dehydration which can have serious effects on health, particularly for older people, babies and children.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can also develop suddenly in hot weather as Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller explained: “Watch out for cramp in your arms, legs and stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping. If you should start to develop these symptoms you should move to somewhere cool and try to drink plenty of water or fruit juice. Sponging yourself down with lukewarm water can help too. Seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or don’t go away.”

The Department has issued the following advice to help people avoid the worst of the heat:

• Keep out of the heat – Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and loose fitting clothes and make sure you have plenty of water.

• Stay cool – Stay inside, in the coolest rooms. Close curtains in sunny rooms, keep windows closed while the room is cooler than the outside. Splash yourself with cool water during the day, particularly your face and the back of your neck.

• Drink regularly – Water and fruit juice are best. Drink even if you don’t feel thirsty. Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee which can increase dehydration. Eating salads and fruit can help too.

• Help others – Keep a check on older people who you know are living on their own and make sure they have the advice and support they need.