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- South Hams braces for climbing temperatures and an Amber weather warning
South Hams braces for climbing temperatures and an Amber weather warning
The South Hams, along with most of the UK, is getting ready for a really hot week, with Wednesday and Thursday looking to hit 32°C.
Schools have announced children can attend classes in PE kits, the Met Office has issued an Amber Weather Warning and we're all sweating away in our non-air-conditioned homes.
An Amber Weather Warning is in place between midnight on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday, with the Met Office saying: "Very hot weather will continue in general until at least Thursday across the highlighted region, although some variations from place to place and day by day are likely.
"Temperatures by day are widely expected to exceed 30°C, with the hottest areas potentially peaking around 38-40°C within the embedded red warning [not us].
"Overnight, temperatures are unlikely to fall much lower than high teens Celsius, and some places will not fall below low 20s Celsius. These high temperatures will also be accompanied by high humidity.
"Cooler conditions may begin to become established from the west following this period, but confidence is low."
While everyone is melting, we found some good tips from the British Red Cross website about keeping cool:
- Target Pulse Points: Place cold compresses, ice wrapped in a cloth, or cooling towels directly on your wrists, neck, ankles, and armpits to rapidly drop your core temperature.
- Cool Your Feet: Because feet release heat quickly, soaking them in a basin of cold water or wearing damp/chilled socks provides instant full-body relief.
- Use Damp Clothing: Drenching a lightweight cotton T-shirt in cold water is highly effective for outdoor activity or extreme heat.
Hydration & Diet
- Drink Plenty of Water: Sip water consistently throughout the day. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they act as diuretics and worsen dehydration.
- Eat Cooling Foods: Consume light meals and foods with high water content, such as strawberries, cucumber, lettuce, and celery. Avoid large, heavy meals, which force your body to generate excess digestive heat.
- Block the Sun: Close blinds, curtains, and windows facing direct sunlight during the day. Open windows only at night when the outside air is cooler.
- DIY Air Conditioning: If you do not have an A/C unit, place a wide, shallow tub of ice directly in front of an electric fan to create a chilled, misty breeze.
- Sleep Smart: Avoid synthetic bedding like polyester. Use breathable materials such as bamboo, cotton, or linen, and sleep on the lowest level of your home if possible, as heat rises.
- Limit Peak Exposure: Avoid being in the sun or exercising heavily between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are the strongest.
- Know the Risks: If you must go out, seek shade, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and wear a wide-brimmed sun hat.
Enjoy the weather if you can, survive it if you can't. We'll be back to complaining its too cold and rainy soon.
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