Heat health warning issued as temperatures set to reach 30C
It also recommends people to wear hats and sunglasses, apply sun cream, and avoid direct sunlight during 11am and 3pm. People should only do exercise in the morning or evening and ensure that 'vulnerable friends and family [are] aware of the symptoms of heatstroke'.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, the head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: 'Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.'
Sir Chris Bryant, the tourism minister, has warned too much exposure to the sun can be fatal.
Speaking at a conference in Westminster on Wednesday, organised by travel trade organisation Abta, Sir Chris said: 'One thing that is very close to my heart, because I've had stage four melanoma – which probably sprang from my years in Spain when I was a child – is about responsible use of the sun.
'We know that it kills, getting it wrong. The British obsession with laughing at people because they've gone lobster pink is daft. We need to do better about this.'
Addressing the gathering of travel trade executives, he added: 'I know you don't want to be preaching to everybody who gets on an aeroplane with you, but being able to do all this responsibly, I think, is important.'
Thunderstorms
This health alert comes as parts of south-west England, South Wales and Northern Ireland have been issued with a weather warning for thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday by the Met Office.
A separate warning spanning Friday afternoon and Saturday morning is in place for south-eastern England and East Anglia.
Neil Armstrong, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'A weather system will push northwards through tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and a risk of thunderstorms to parts of south-west England, most of Wales, and later into Northern Ireland.
'40mm of rain could fall in 3 hours or less leading to the potential for disruption. Further thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon across England and Wales, moving quickly northwards with hail and lightning.
'Temperatures will remain high, with 26 or 27°C possible again in the north Midlands and parts of north London.'
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