Health advice issued ahead of expected heatwave

Health advice issued ahead of expected heatwave

The mercury was due to hit 33°C today – bearting this year’s 32.7°C record set on 25 June – with maximum temperatures fluctuating between 27°C and 29°C next week.

A heatwave is declared when the daily maximum temperature exceeds the daily average by at least 5°C for five or more days. The daily average for August is 22°C.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat is urging Islanders to protect themselves.

‘With a heatwave forecast by Jersey Met, we would urge Islanders to take simple precautions to protect themselves in the heat,’ he said.

‘These precautions are vitally important for older people – those over the age of 75 – as well as babies, young children and those with a chronic medical condition, particularly heart or respiratory problems, who are at higher risk of complications from hot weather.’

Tips include staying out of the sun and not going out between 11am and 3pm, having cool baths or showers, having cold drinks regularly – avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol – and wearing loose, cool clothing.

Islanders are also asked to check on those who may be more vulnerable to the conditions and to remember that extreme levels of heat can develop in cars and other confined spaces. Pets and children should not be left in cars – even for very short periods.

Meanwhile, the RNLI has warned Islanders planning to visit the beach this weekend to check the tide times and maintain social distancing.

Their warning comes after two people had to be rescued by firefighters last Sunday after getting cut off near Seymour Tower.

Kitty Norman, RNLI water safety delivery support officer, said: ‘You might choose to visit the beach at a quieter time of day, or choose a beach with more space, where you can still bathe between the flagged area, but spread out further when setting up camp for the day. If you arrive at the beach and it is simply too crowded, consider moving on and spending your day elsewhere.

‘Checking the tide times is advised. As the tide comes in, it reduces the available space for people to spread out and leads to beaches getting more crowded.’

High water is at 9.37am and 9.50pm today, 10.07am and 10.19pm on Saturday and 10.36am and 10.48pm on Sunday.

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