Temperatures expected to rise to 30°c across Rotherham this week

Stay safe in the sun
Stay safe in the sun

Rotherham residents are being urged to prepare as temperatures are forecasted to soar above 30 degrees Celsius this week.

The Met Office has forecast an 80 per cent probability of hot and very hot temperatures across South Yorkshire.

Temperatures are expected to begin building on Tuesday with the hot weather peaking on Wednesday and lasting through to Friday. There is a chance of thunderstorms on later in the week.

Conditions will stay very warm and humid at night which could lead to uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Public Health England (PHE) advises people to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

However tempting it may be during periods of hot weather, members of the public are reminded not to go swimming in open water in reservoirs, rivers or canals, even if the water looks calm. There could be strong hidden currents or rubbish and debris under the water line as well as very cold temperatures which can hinder your swimming abilities.

Vulnerable groups, such as older people, can feel the acute effects of heat more than others. Residents are asked to be kind to elderly neighbours and those who may be shielding by checking on them where possible.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “Many people enjoy hot weather but high temperatures can be dangerous especially for older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“It may be tempting to go out to one of the borough’s parks to enjoy the good weather and if you choose to do so, I ask that all residents continue to follow Government social distancing guidelines and keep two metres, if possible, away from people from outside your household. Make sure you enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn by using sun cream and shaded areas, and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.”

Further information and updates about the weather can be found on the Met Office website.

Top advice for being sun safe:

  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, and wear a hat. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
  • Drink lots of cool drinks
  • Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

Remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too. Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

Health and social care workers should regularly check on vulnerable patients, share sun safety messages, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure patients have access to cold water and ice.

Professionals and community groups can prepare for hot weather by reviewing the Heatwave Plan for England at Department of Health website and Public Health England’s website.

For advice on keeping cool in the sun go to the Sun Smart website.

Published: 23rd June 2020