Top tips and resources

• Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm in the UK
• Avoid getting sunburnt – use sunscreen (at least factor 30) and cover up with suitable loose-fitting cotton clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• If driving, make sure your vehicle is well ventilated and take plenty of water with you
• If you live on your own, ask someone to check up on you regularly during periods of extreme heat
• Keep cool and drink plenty of cold drinks and cut back on alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Eating cold foods like salads and fruit, which have a higher water content, can help you stay hydrated
• Keep your home cool – shade or cover windows in sunny rooms and keep the windows closed during the day. Open the windows when it is cooler outside. Turn off lights and electrical equipment when they are not in use
• Take cool baths or showers
• If you decide to take a swim outdoors to keep cool, make sure it's a safe place to swim, look out for warning signs and hidden dangers
• If you feel unwell, dizzy, anxious or very thirsty, or if you have painful muscle spasms when it is hot weather, rest immediately in a cool place, drink and cool down. Use rehydration solutions if suitable. Get help if you still feel unwell

The UK is prone to extreme weather, from heavy rain to heatwaves. Keep up-to-date with weather and temperature updates on our severe weather page. We also have useful information on looking out for signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Visit the Met Office and check the weather forecast to help you plan ahead.