Dealing with hot weather

We’re experiencing intense periods of hot weather more often. There are ways we can prepare for this and protect ourselves.

People more at risk in hot weather

Some people are more likely to become ill because of hot weather and should be extra careful. 

This includes those who:

are over 65 years old 
are 5 years old or younger
have long-term health conditions
have dementia or mental health problems
have drug or alcohol addiction
live alone
are homeless

Some homes are more at risk of overheating, including top floor flats and well-insulated indoor spaces.

Before hot weather arrives

Warnings and alerts

There’s usually a warning when hot weather is on its way. Weather warnings are usually announced on the news. You can also subscribe to alerts from the Met Office.

If you’re a health and social care professional, you can register for the Heat-health Alert service from the Met Office. This can help you prepare people you’re caring for.

Prepare for hot weather

There are practical things you can do in advance:

check how heat affects medicines and store in a cool place if needed
buy sunscreen of at least factor 30 and read NHS advice on what type to get
check that fridges and freezers are working correctly
check any fans or other cooling devices are working
consider growing plants in front of windows for shade
check that your heating is turned off and thermostat turned down if you have one

There are also some structural changes you could make to your home:

use low-energy lighting like LED lightbulbs, as they generate less heat
insulate or seal hot water pipes or heat generators
install coverings for your windows, such as blinds, curtains, solar films, outside shutters, shade sails or outside awnings
install air conditioning – you may need to apply for planning permission to do so

During hot weather

When the hot weather arrives, there are quick and easy steps to avoid overheating, including:

plan your journey using tools such as TfL’s journey planner or Citymapper. They can help you find a route with the least outdoor walking to avoid the sun
drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, which can you make you more dehydrated
take water with you when you leave the house and find out where to refill water bottles for free using the Refill app
regularly use sunscreen of at least factor 30, and read NHS advice on how to apply sunscreen

Find more actions you can take to stay safe in hot weather on GOV.UK.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are 2 illnesses that can happen during hot weather.

Heat exhaustion is like your body’s warning sign that you’re too hot. It does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes.

Heatstroke is where your body cannot control its temperature anymore. This is an emergency and you should get medical help immediately or call 999.

Find NHS guidance on the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to treat them.

How to cool yourself down

If you’re feeling too hot, there are actions you can take to cool yourself down, including:

move to somewhere cooler. Go to a Cool Space in Camden or your nearest Cool Space in London – these are public places that are cooler and welcome anyone who needs to sit inside
get in the shade and take off any extra clothes, like a jacket or socks
drink cold drinks or eat ice lollies

Find more advice for cooling down from GOV.UK.

How to cool your home down

When you’re at home, there are things you can do to cool your home down, including:

cover windows, especially ones facing the sun
turn off any appliances that you do not need
cook on the hob or in the oven at cooler times of the day
eat food that does not need to be cooked

Find more advice on keeping your home cool on GOV.UK.

How to help your community

Check on your family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell. If you’re at higher risk, ask them to check on you too.

Share any advice with your community, so people can prepare and learn how to help themselves.

If you see anyone sleeping rough, find out how you can support them or refer them to StreetLink.

Hosting a Cool Space

Cool Spaces are free and accessible places for people to go to during hot weather, where they can rest in cooler temperatures and find water.

If you can host a Cool Space from 1 June to 30 September, fill in the expression of interest form and we’ll be in touch.

More information

You can find more guidance and information about hot weather from: