Temperatures remain high this week and into early next week, with the potential to beat previous July and all-time records. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Jersey is 36.0°C.
While many welcome the hot summer weather, it is also an appropriate time to remind Islanders of the sensible precautions that should be taken to minimise any risk to health. The Island could see mid to high 30s on Sunday and Monday, along with temperatures remaining high overnight probably not falling below 20°C.
Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Older people and children are particularly at risk. Some simple steps that everyone can take to cope in hot weather include:
- Shutting windows, shades, blinds, or curtains to keep your rooms as cool as possible.
- If possible, staying out of the sun for long periods and avoid the hottest part of the day, which could be later in the afternoon.
- Wearing sunscreen and hats when outside.
- Having cool baths or showers.
- Drinking plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol.
- Wearing loose, cool clothing.
- Help those who are likely to struggle in the heat
- Ensure that babies, young children, and pets are not locked into vehicles.
If anyone has any concerns regarding their wellbeing or that of someone they know during warm weather, they are advised to seek medical advice.
Do you have pets?
Animals also suffer in the heat and can suffer from heatstroke. When it is possible you should keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day.
There are many ways you can help them to stay cool:
- give them plenty of fresh clean water
- provide a cool shady place to rest
- dogs love a paddling pool to play in
- spray them with cool water
- walk dogs early in the morning or later on when its cooler
- give them frozen treats
- never leave an animal inside a car on a hot day
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “With temperatures set to rise in the coming days, it is vital that Islanders, especially those at risk, take the necessary precautions when out and about. Those at greatest risk include elderly people, babies, and young children as well as those with a serious chronic condition such as heart or breathing problems.
“I urge Islanders to follow this advice and to check up on friends, relatives, and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.”
Head of Meteorology at Jersey Met, Paul Aked, said; “We are expecting very hot and dry weather over the coming week, and we are working with colleagues from across Government to make sure we support those planning ahead and we would encourage everyone to keep up to date with our forecasts.
“Often, we focus on the daytime temperatures, but it is at night that we get an opportunity to recover from a hot day. With night-time temperatures forecast to be so high we are not able to do so easily. It’s important to think about how we cope with extreme heat, how we keep ourselves and those around us, including pets, and our houses cool. We should consider the activities we do, or perhaps don’t do, during this period of hot weather.”
Along with the high temperatures, the dry period is expected to continue which could see the Island enter a Meteorological Absolute drought – 15 consecutive days without 0.2mm of rain. Long periods of drought can cause serious problems such as water supply shortages and crop damage.
You can stay up to date with the latest weather forecast issued by Jersey Met here.
