Extreme heat warning - information and advice
Date published:
Weather warning
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat between 8.00 am on Wednesday 21 July and 11.59 pm on Friday 23 July.
Weather warnings from the Met Office let the public and emergency services know about potentially hazardous conditions.
You can find out more about weather warnings on the Met Office website.
Risks during a heatwave
High temperatures can be a risk to health, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable.
It can cause sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses.
Heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of serious harm from the effects of extreme heat. It’s important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with health conditions.
You can take steps to protect yourself and others from the effects of very hot weather:
- protect yourself from the sun
- stay cool
- drink plenty
More information and advice is available at:
Stay safe around the home
Hot weather can cause heat exhaustion in animals. Also, bacteria on food and rubbish develop more quickly in the heat.
Find out how to look after your pets and take extra care with food and waste at this link:
Fire safety
During hot and dry weather, avoid bonfires and be extra careful with barbecues. Dry ground in the summer increases the risk of fire.
- Fire safety outdoors - barbecues, camping and the countryside
- Dangers of starting a fire deliberately
What to expect
Extreme heat can also cause:
- ongoing pressures on water resources
- an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses
- more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience long delays
Emergency numbers
You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
- Emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901