West London is expected to reach highest temperatures
The Met Office has issued a heatwave warning alert with temperatures in the west of London up to 33 degrees celsius.
These hot conditions will stay until Friday, but it should get cooler by the weekend.
The temperature has triggered the Met Office to issue a Level 3 alert - the first time since June 2006.
It means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and a forecast of even higher temperatures for today and tomorrow.
The Department of Health is reminding people to remain aware of the risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.
Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health in the South East said:
"Everyone's health can be affected by the heat, with greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those most at risk are the very young and the very old, and people who already have health conditions, especially heart and respiratory problems - the heat can make their symptoms worse."
Although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the evening. Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside. People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day.
People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health practitioners at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.
Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:
* Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
* Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside than inside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
* People with serious health problems (for example heart conditions), should avoid going out in the heat, especially between 11am and 3pm.
* Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
* Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies - think of elderly neighbours who may need help with supplies.
* Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible
* Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to cool down or sleep in.
Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct Online at www.nhs.uk for advice about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The Heatwave Plan operates from 1 June to 15 September each year, and is based on information provided by the Met Office, which trigger alert levels according to 'threshold temperatures'.
The four levels are:
Level 1 - Summer Preparedness and Long-term Planning: Green
Level 2 - Alert and Readiness: Amber
Level 3 - Heatwave Action: Red
Level 4 - Emergency: Red Emergency
July 2, 2009
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