How to keep cool and stay well during hot weather 

During the summer, many of us enjoy the longer days, warmer evenings, and time outdoors. But warmer weather also brings real risks to health, especially when temperatures climb higher than usual. The Met Office forecast for this summer suggests an increased chance of heatwaves, so now is the time to be prepared. 

How does heat affect the body? 

Most health impacts seen during heat events in the UK are from diseases associated with the heart, blood vessels and lungs. Our bodies naturally cool down through sweating and by increasing blood flow to the skin. 

When the temperature outside the body is higher than the temperature of the skin, the only effective way to lose heat is through sweating. So, anything that reduces sweating can cause the body to overheat. This can happen due to: 

dehydration  lack of breeze  tight-fitting clothes  certain medications  conditions that affect the body’s ability to sweat 

High temperatures can affect anyone, not just those traditionally seen as vulnerable. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, so it’s worth knowing the signs to look out for and how to respond. 

It’s important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you 

Find out more about why some people suffer more during heatwaves on our blog post. 

How can I keep cool when it’s hot? 

There’s lots you can do to keep cool: 

avoid the sun when it is strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. If outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade  keep your home cool: keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home  limit strenuous physical activity, or plan physical activity for times of the day when it is cooler, like the early morning or evening  avoid hot, closed spaces like stationary cars  wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Dark colours and synthetic materials absorb and trap heat  stay hydrated throughout the day, not only when thirsty. If sweating heavily, consider rehydration drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration  spray or sponge your skin with cool water. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help  turn off non-essential electronics. TV, laptops and chargers generate heat What do we know about temperatures this summer? 

The key message from the Met Office 3-Month Outlook is that hotter-than-usual weather is more likely in the UK this summer. This doesn’t mean, however, that there won’t still be spells of wetter or more changeable weather. 

This increased likelihood of heat fits with the long-term warming trend in the UK linked to climate change. In the future, heatwaves in England are expected to become more intense, last longer, and happen more often. This makes it increasingly important to understand how heat affects people’s health and to take steps to reduce those risks. 

Why do you issue Heat Health Alerts, even when temperatures are not extreme? 

Heat Health Alerts are early warnings released by UKHSA and the Met Office to help people respond to heat early. They are colour-coded yellow, amber or red to reflect the level of health impact expected. Yellow alerts signal that weather could affect people who are more vulnerable, including older adults, babies and young children, and those with certain pre-existing health conditions. Heat does not have to be extreme to be dangerous and significant heat-associated deaths have been recorded during yellow Heat Health Alerts. 

How we can have a safer summer 

Checking in on those who are more vulnerable during hot weather and following public health guidance can genuinely save lives. You can sign up to receive Heat-Health Alerts directly from UKHSA by email, helping you stay one step ahead of rising temperatures. The current Heat Health Alert status is also available on UKHSA's Data Dashboard. 

Warm weather is something many of us enjoy and the encouraging findings from summer 2025 show that a coordinated response to heat can make a real difference. With better data, clear warnings, and simple actions, we can protect ourselves and each other through whatever this summer brings.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/23/how-to-keep-cool-and-stay-well-during-hot-weather/

seen at 11:25, 23 June in UK Health Security Agency.