Tips on how to stay safe during the heatwave set for UK

Britain is set to bask in the sunshine in the next few days with health officials issuing guidance on how to stay safe in the sizzling sunshine.

Public Health England said the high temperatures are "dangerous" for the most vulnerable people in society and urged people to consider how the weather may affect them or their loved ones.

The warning comes after the Met Office issued a heatwave alert for five regions, with the extreme summer sunshine set to hit parts of the South East, London, the East of England, the East Midlands and West Midlands

The exceptionally hot conditions are expected to start tomorrow evening and last until Saturday, with temperatures set to exceed 30C in parts of Britain.

A level 2 heat-health alert has been issued - which means there is at least a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on two consecutive days to have an impact on health.

A woman lays outside in the sun in London. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

PHE's tips on staying safe during the heatwave

  • Attempt to stay out of the sun during the hottest period of the day, which is usually 11am to 3pm

  • Apply sunscreen of at least factor 15 with UVA protection

People have been urged to wear sunglasses. Credit: J.M. Guyon - Copyright 2012/Candybox Images
  • Wear UV sunglasses - preferably wraparound - to reduce exposure to your eyes

  • Wear light and loose-fitting clothes, a hat and light scarf

Make sure to drink lots of water. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
  • Drink lots of cool drinks

  • Look out for the most vulnerable, particularly older people, young children, babies and those with serious illnesses

  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

A man enjoys his lunch in the sunshine on the promenade in Dover, Kent. Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection at PHE, urged people to drink plenty of cool drinks during the heatwave.

He added that keeping living spaces cool and turning off lights and electrical items could help tackle the heat.

For more information on how to stay safe in the sun, go to the following websites: