NHS 11am-3pm rule as UK nears 30C

People are being advised to follow a straightforward 11am rule this weekend as temperatures soar. The Met Office has indicated that certain areas of the UK could experience temperatures “exceeding” 30C. The national weather service has suggested we might witness an “exceptional spell of warmth” for May. Temperature highs are anticipated to reach approximately 28C or 29C across the weekend in England and Wales, with a strong possibility of hitting 30C in the southeast. Writing on the Met Office website, deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson

said: “A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK. High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas. “The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.” Meanwhile,

on social media platform X, the Met Office noted: “It’s been a cool May – so far. That’s set to change quite dramatically over the coming days. “A prolonged period of very warm weather is now increasingly likely. Temperatures will rise to well above average for May with the hottest spots possibly exceeding 30 Celsius.” Health advice As part of its standard hot weather advice, the NHS warns that exposure to heat can have health implications. It says: “Most of us welcome hot weather, but

when it’s too hot, there are health risks. “During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.” The main risks posed by a heatwave are: Not drinking enough water (dehydration) Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing Heat exhaustion and heatstroke To stay safe, the NHS advises you keep out of the heat if you can.

This includes following a specific timeline. The health body recommends staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm for this reason. It says: “If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.” Other things you can do include: Have cold food and drinks Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks Have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes Close

windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down Use electric fans if the temperature is below 35 degrees A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are: Older people – especially those over 75 and female Those who live on their own or in a care home People who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions People who are on multiple

medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather Those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer’s disease People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside For more information, visit the NHS website here.

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