Staying safe and well in hot weather

Understanding the effects of hot weather

When temperatures rise, it is important to understand how hot weather can affect your health and wellbeing, and what you can do to reduce these risks. Periods of unusually high temperatures can pose serious health risks.

Anyone can become unwell if they get too hot. However, some people are at higher risk, including:

  • older people
  • babies and young children
  • pregnant women
  • people with existing health conditions
  • people taking certain medications

Heat can affect us more quickly than we realise. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which is a medical emergency, can develop when the body struggles to cool itself, especially during prolonged hot weather. Knowing when temperatures are expected to rise, understanding the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and being prepared can help you stay safe during hot weather.

During hot weather, check in on family members, neighbours and friends who are at higher risk or may need extra support. If you are at higher risk, ask someone to check in on you. By staying informed and taking a few simple steps, we can help keep each other safe.

Staying safe in hot weather

Actions you can take to keep safe in hot weather include:

  • stay cool indoors by closing curtains in rooms that face the sun – other ways to stay cool at home
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • check in on family members, neighbours and friends who are at higher risk or may need extra support – if you are at higher risk, ask someone to check in on you
  • know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
  • avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest
  • avoid physical activity – if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), do these when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening
  • cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently
  • stay safe when swimming – enter slowly and carefully, stay within reach, and always be supervised. If you’re in trouble, stay calm, float on your back, and call for help.

If you are struggling to stay cool within or away from your home, have a look at our list of cool spaces available in Reading.

Further advice, guidance and support

Last updated on 08/07/2026