Extreme hot weather is expected across North East Lincolnshire this week and into Armed Forces weekend, with official warnings now escalated to Amber and possibly Red. Residents are being urged to prepare, stay safe, and look out for others as temperatures rise.
Protect your health
You are advised to minimise time outdoors, particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest. If you do go outside:
- Apply SPF15 or higher sunscreen at least 20 minutes before exposure and reapply regularly
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses, a hat, and light, loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton)
- Stay in the shade where possible and avoid strenuous activity such as sport, gardening or DIY during peak heat
- Take extra care with children, as surfaces and metal play equipment can become dangerously hot
Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to stay hydrated. Watch for signs of heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. If symptoms occur, keep cool, drink fluids, and seek medical advice via a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111. Call 999 in an emergency.
Keeping your home cool
- Stay in the coolest rooms and keep curtains closed on sun-facing windows during the day
- Use lighter-coloured blinds or curtains where possible to reflect heat
- Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and open them overnight when temperatures drop (while considering security)
- Use cool water, damp cloths on the neck, or lukewarm showers to stay comfortable
- Consider using a thermometer to monitor indoor temperatures
Look out for others
Check regularly on older people, neighbours, those with long-term conditions, and families with young children or babies. Help them keep cool and ensure:
- Living spaces remain ventilated and shaded
- Plenty of cold water is available
- Medicines are stored in a cool place
Never leave babies, children, older people or pets in parked cars, even for a short time.
Advice for parents and carers
- Keep babies, especially those under six months, out of direct sunlight
- Ensure children stay hydrated with water as well as milk, cover skin, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, seek shade, and wear sunglasses
- Be aware that wet clothing provides less UV protection
Fire safety
Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of fires. Residents are urged to take extra care:
- Never leave home barbecues unattended and keep them away from buildings, trees and fences
- Keep water or sand nearby in case of emergency
- Ensure disposable BBQs are placed on suitable surfaces and fully extinguished before disposal
- In the interest of health and safety, BBQs are not permitted in or on any council owned/managed sites, including parks, open spaces and Cleethorpes – this includes the beach as well as the resort itself. The non-permission of barbecues currently falls under the by-laws.
- Temperatures of sand can exceed 900C underneath the BBQ. Once the BBQ is removed the sand can remain at a high temperature and cause serious injury to you or a member of the public.
- Avoid open fires in the countryside and never discard cigarettes or glass that could ignite fires
Water safety
With coastal areas, rivers and lakes nearby, residents are reminded:
- Swim only at lifeguarded beaches and between designated flags
- Never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol
- Avoid rivers, canals and unknown open water where currents and cold shock pose serious risks to health
- Residents and visitors to Cleethorpes are reminded to take extra care when using inflatables such as lilos, rubber rings and airbeds in the sea. While they can be fun in calm conditions, they are not designed for open water and can quickly be carried out to sea by offshore winds or changing tides.
- Even on warm, sunny days, the wind can strengthen unexpectedly and pull inflatables away from shore within minutes, putting users at serious risk and leading to avoidable emergency callouts.
Anyone visiting the beach is advised to:
- Avoid using inflatables in the sea.
- Check tide times and weather conditions before entering the water.
- Always supervise children closely.
- Swim between designated areas where possible.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Always plan your exit point and carry a means of communication
Saving water
Help protect local resources during the heat:
- Turn off taps when not in use, such as when brushing teeth
- Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
- Reuse water where possible, such as using paddling pool water for plants
- Reduce shower time to conserve water and energy
Pet safety
- Ensure pets have constant access to fresh drinking water
- Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening
- Never leave animals in parked cars
- Watch for signs of overheating such as heavy panting or lethargy
- Take extra care with older, overweight or short-nosed breeds
- With Armed Forces Day taking place this weekend we advise that you leave dogs at home out of the heat.
Direct messages on staying safe in warm weather have also been sent out by Public Health in North East Lincolnshire to all vulnerable groups, including via schools, GP surgeries, the homeless team, care homes and drug and alcohol services.
Cllr Nigel Oliver, NELC Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:
“Amber heat alerts are an early warning that these high temperatures can quickly become dangerous, especially for older people, young children and those with underlying conditions. I’d urge everyone to get ahead of the heat, plan your day in advance, stay well hydrated, avoid peak temperatures, and check in early with friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support.
“We want everyone to enjoy Armed Forces Weekend, but please do so responsibly by planning ahead and following the advice in place. Taking simple steps now will help protect people and reduce pressure on vital health and emergency services as temperatures rise.”
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