How to cope in the hot weather

Advice and Information - 18 June 2025

This article shares tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones well in the hot weather.

Who can be at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

Older people
Those who live on their own or in a care home
People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places
Those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, people on multiple medications, people with long-term or serious conditions/illnesses, those with drug or alcohol addictions

Tips for managing in the heat

If you have to go outside, make sure to keep out of the heat. Stay in the shade in between 11am and 3pm, and make sure to wear suncream, hat and light clothes.

Keep yourself cool with cold drinks and food, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and put cool water on your skin or clothes.

Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.

For more information visit GOV.UK: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather.

If you think a hot house is affecting your health or someone else's, you can contact the health office at your local council.. They can inspect a rented home for hazards to health, including excess heat.

Find your local council (GOV.UK)