Guernsey faces hottest day on record

Friday 15 July 2022

With a forecasted temperature of 34°C, today (18 July) could match Guernsey's hottest day on record.

The current hottest day, since Met Office records began in 1947, was 9 August 2003, at 34.3°C. The States has issues safety advice for islanders ahead of the anticipated heatwave.

The island is not alone in the potential for record-breaking temperatures. The UK Met Office has issued its first ever Red Extreme heat national weather warning in England for Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are forecasted to reach up to 40°C for the first time. 

“While everybody is at risk from the health consequences of heat, there are certain factors that increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave,” said a States’ spokesperson. 

Pictured: The Met Office has forecast temperates in the low 30s for Monday and Tuesday next week. 

The elderly are particularly at risk, especially those over 75-years-old, those living on their own and are socially isolated and those living in a care home. 

Other people deemed to be at a higher risk are those with chronic and severe illness. “Those with an inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool are also at risk. These include babies and the very young, people who are bed bound, people with a disability or people with Alzheimer’s disease,” said the spokesperson. 

“Environmental factors and overexposure are also risk factors, for example people living in a top floor flat and people who are homeless. Activities or jobs that are in hot places or outdoors and include high levels of physical exertion also increases risk.”

Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, said it was important for islanders to follow safety recommendations.  

“Whilst we hope the community really enjoys the warm weather, I would like to remind everyone of these top ways for staying safe during the heat,” she said.

Pictured: The States has advised islanders to "keep out of the sun between 11:00 and 15:00". 

Dr Brink continued: “We know that over 65s, as well as young children and those with heart and lung conditions can all find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high. I also urge people to take care to protect against the sun, taking sensible precautions such wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. It is also important to stay well hydrated. This way we can all enjoy the warmer weather.”

The States’ “top tips” for staying safe in the heat include: 

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

• look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions;

• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors;

• drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated

• try to keep out of the sun between 11:00 to 15:00;

Pictured: Infants and young children are particularly at risk in high temperatures and should never be left in a closed, parked vehicle. 

• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat;

• take care to protect against the sun if you are going into the water to cool down;

• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day;

• wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes; and

• make sure you take water with you if you are out and about.

Further advice is available HERE 

Pictured: Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, reminded islanders of the importance of staying hydrated.