Warnings as heat continues in Bristol
The highest officially-recorded temperature yesterday was 28°C (82°F) in Filton, on what was the hottest day of the year so far – despite heavy early morning showers in many parts of the city.
Youngsters splashed around in the fountains at Millennium Square and sunbathers took to College Green.
Health bosses were however issuing a warning for people to keep cool during the warm weather, particularly the very young and old, and those with serious illnesses.
They warned that heat stroke can cause death in the most extreme of cases and can make heart and respiratory conditions worse.
Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) were called out to patients suffering from heat stroke and overheating over the weekend and were advising people to take precautions in the hot weather.
Health services in the Bristol area have been planning for the hot weather after the Met Office triggered a heatwave plan warning. Forecaster
with MeteoGroup, Rob Hutchinson, said that the hot weather was likely to last for a few more days, although in the Bristol area it will continue to be unsettled with the chance of showers.
He said: "It is likely to stay very warm, muggy and humid but with a risk of thundery showers and there may even be some torrential rain at times.
"It looks like temperatures will get up to similar figures as they did yesterday but there will probably be less in the way of sunshine."
People are being advised to drink plenty of fluids – but not too much tea, coffee or alcohol – to eat regularly and avoid staying outdoors during the hottest times of the day.
Health bosses are also advising people to wear high factor suncream and wear loose-fitting clothes
Paramedic clinical advisor for GWAS Victoria O'Leary said: "Parents of young children need to be very careful as the young can be particularly vulnerable during the hot weather and need to take extra care. Older people can also be more sensitive to the heat."
Mary Hart of NHS North Somerset said: "In the event of a heatwave forecast, try and plan your day so that you can stay out of the heat as much as possible.
"For example, try and avoid going out in the hottest part of the day between 1am and 3pm. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity as much as possible and wear a hat . Inside, stay in the coolest rooms in your home as much as possible and close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun."
Richard Cottle, spokesman for North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Frenchay and Southmead hospitals, said: "We have produced action cards that have been sent round to all clinical areas.
"These set out what staff should be doing at this time – for example preparing cool areas in wards, ensuring patients have access to cool drinks and monitoring temperatures.
"In addition we have emailed staff more general guidance to help them cope with the heat both at home and at work."
Mr Cottle said that when the new hospital opens at Southmead, the wards will face east so they get the sun during the morning but are in shade during the afternoon, which along with more natural ventilation, will have a significant impact on controlling the temperature in hot weather.
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