06 August 2020
Islanders are being reminded about the potential health risks associated with hot weather as Jersey Met has forecast a heatwave.
Temperatures on Friday are forecast to reach 33°C and are expected to remain high for the next six days, with maximum temperatures reaching 27°C or higher each day.
A heat wave is a period of five consecutive days when the daily maximum temperature is 5°C or more, above the average. The average temperature at this time of the year is around 22°C. The last time the Island had temperatures this high, for a six-day period, was in July 2006.
Although many Islanders will welcome the hot weather, the Public Health Department is urging Islanders to keep cool in the heat.
Dr Ivan Muscat, Deputy Medical Officer for Health, said: "With a heatwave forecast by Jersey Met, we would urge Islanders to take simple precautions to protect themselves in the heat. These precautions are vitally important for older people – those over the age of 75 – as well as babies, young children and those with a chronic medical condition, particularly heart or respiratory problems, who are at higher risk of complications from hot weather."
To keep cool in the hot weather:
- Shut windows, pull down the shades or keep the curtains closed to keep your rooms as cool as possible. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler
- Avoid overheating: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Don’t get sunburnt – ever – as that increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in future years
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool
- Wear loose, cool clothing
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
- Take steps to ensure protection from the sun through the use of sunscreen and hats – such measures are especially important for babies and young children
- Be aware that extreme levels of heat can develop in cars and other confined spaces, and avoid leaving children in cars, even for very short periods. This advice also applies to pets
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