A heat-health alert has been issued for Lancashire as temperatures are set to soar this bank holiday weekend.
A yellow heat-health alert is in place across the North West, including Lancashire, from Friday, May 22 to Wednesday, May 27, at 5pm, following warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The UKHSA issued its first amber heat-health alert of the year, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of up to 24°C in East Lancashire this weekend.
The best weather is forecast on bank holiday Monday in the region.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.
"If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
An amber alert for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London came into effect at 2pm on Friday, May 22, and will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.
The alert indicates an increased demand for healthcare services among vulnerable groups and a heightened health risk for people over 65 or those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
A yellow alert, signalling less severe but still notable impacts, covers the North East, North West, South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions for the same period.
UKHSA advises several measures to stay safe during hot weather, including keeping homes cool by shutting windows and curtains in sun-facing rooms.
People are also advised to stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours of 11am to 3pm.
If going outdoors, individuals should wear suitable clothing, hats, and sunglasses, seek shade, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Physical activities, including exercise or walking dogs, should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
The UKHSA has reminded health and social care services to prepare for further alerts as summer progresses and temperatures rise.
More information on heat-health alerts, including their current status and expected duration, is available on the UKHSA data dashboard.
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The UKHSA’s most recent blog post also explains the effects of heat on the body and offers practical steps to avoid heat-related illness.
No amber warning has been issued for the North West at this time, but the yellow alert remains in effect for the region until Wednesday, May 27.
The highest temperatures are expected on bank holiday Monday, with clear skies and warm sunshine forecast throughout the weekend.
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