Warnings to take extra precautions as North West prepares for heatwave

ITV News

19-06-2025

With the Met Office predicting a heatwave over the weekend, many of us will be dusting off the sun lotion and heading for the coast at Blackpool or to the great outdoors to lap up the rays.
But medics in the region are warning that with temperatures predicted to peak in the 30's in parts of the UK, and with pollen and UVA levels also possibly on the rise, people must keep safe in the sun, and take precautions well ahead of the thermometer soaring.
NHS England North West has urged people to take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
And they want us to avoid putting additional pressure on the region's health service with heat related illness.
Dr Gareth Wallis, Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, for NHS England in the North West said: 'With a spell of hot weather coming, we know people will be looking forward to getting out and about and enjoying it and we just want to make sure people have all the information they need to stay safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.
'Staying out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm can lower the risk of becoming unwell, and if you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.'
Dr Wallis also suggests drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen, and limiting alcohol intake. He said: 'Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems, and other diseases.
"Older people, babies and young children are more likely to become unwell in hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature.
"People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.'
Though we can all be at risk if we don't take care, NHS England North West has highlighted groups which may need to take extra precautions.
People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
babies and young children aged 5 years and under
people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or mobility problems
people on certain medications
people with serious mental health problems
people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists, and walkers
people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
The North West Ambulance Service is echoing the warnings, and is appealing for the public to help its services by taking extra measures to cut the number of avoidable call-outs.
Chris Grant, Medical Director for the Service, said: 'During sunny weekends we tend to receive more 999 calls for alcohol-related incidents and accidents outside, as well as exacerbations of existing conditions.
"Many accidents and emergencies can be easily avoided by taking a bit of extra care to stay safe and keep well whilst enjoying the warm weather.
'As always, we are here for you if you need us – dial 999 for life-threatening conditions and use 111 online or by phone if you need help quickly but it's not an emergency.'
Dr Wallis added: 'It's important you continue taking all your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional - some medications need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, following the storage instructions on the packaging.
"If you have any health concerns, please use NHS 111 online as your first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.'
The region's health services point out that with lots of events planned in the North West, health services may be under pressure, and A&E departments and the NHS 111 phone service will be busy.
They suggest that the public should use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.
They added that NHS 111 online is not available for children under five and that people looking for urgent medical help for under five's should use the NHS 111 phone line.
Animals
But its not just us humans who can suffer in the heat and vets are warning that we need to take extra care of our pets and wildlife as the mercury climbs in the next few days.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn. Unfortunately, these can often be fatal.
"With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
"When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don't take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.
"If you're concerned about your pet's health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal."
BVA figures show that during 2022's record-breaking heatwave 51% of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness, with dogs most at risk, followed by rabbits and cats.
Its top tips for looking after animals include:
The BVA also says that prompt action can be key to helping animals in the hot weather, and Dr Mullineaux adds: 'It's important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets' lives.
"In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
"Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
"If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.'
With more people out and about to enjoy the good weather, the region's transport systems may also start to feel the strain and Transport for Greater Manchester is advising passengers how to keep cool and comfortable while getting around the city region.
Echoing NHS advice, the Bee Network is suggest customers should always have a bottle of water with them to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, apply sun protection and if possible avoid travelling at peak times when trams and buses will be at their most hot and crowded.
Its also calling on passengers to plan ahead and use the Bee Network app or website to check for any disruptions and plan alternative routes if necessary.
Fran Wilkinson, TfGM's Director for Customer and Growth, said: 'In Greater Manchester we're famously more used to dealing with wet, windy and colder conditions – but while the sunny weather puts a spring in our step, the higher temperatures can pose problems of their own.
'We want everyone travelling on the Bee Network to stay cool, comfortable and safe in the warmweather forecast for the next few days, which means carrying water so you can stay hydrated, wearing light, loose-fitting and light coloured clothing and applying sunscreen if you can.
'If possible try to avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day and use the Bee Network app and website to keep up to date with the latest travel information.
'Some travelling in and around Manchester city centre may wish to make use of our Starling Bank Bike Hire fleet, which was recently boosted by 300 new e-bikes."
TfGM also remind us that we should try and look after each other if it gets a little too hot to handle: 'And don't forget to look out for your fellow passengers and be mindful of their comfort in crowded spaces – especially vulnerable elderly or young children.'
Rail services could also come under increased strain and Network Rail has offered its own guidance to passengers using services over the weekend, with planning ahead top of the list.
It says that rising temperatures can affect infrastructure, with hot weather potentially causing track temperatures to reach more than 20 degrees above air temperature, adding that in some locations, temporary speed restrictions may be needed to allow trains to continue to run safely.
Staff at West Coast Mainline say that they will work with service providers to try and keep services running as smoothly as possible, but they also want passengers to help them by being prepared.
Paul Dellow, head of control for Network Rail's West Coast South route, said: 'We want passengers to enjoy the weather and safely get to where they want to go.
'It's important to be prepared so our advice is to plan ahead, check before you travel, and always carry water with you. Our stations have free water fountains where you can fill bottles to keep hydrated.
"We will be working with our train operator partners to keep everyone moving but if we need to reduce the speed of trains for safety reasons, some journeys might take a little longer.