A Summer of Repeated Heat

It has been a summer of repeated spells of hot weather across the UK, with heatwaves and exceptionally high temperatures becoming a recurring feature over recent months.

From the record-breaking heat of May and June through to further periods of extreme summer temperatures, the UK has experienced a succession of hot spells. The Met Office reported in July that many parts of the country were experiencing the third heatwave of the year, while further heat has returned during August.

For many people, sunny weather is something to enjoy. But for older people, particularly those living alone or managing health conditions, repeated periods of extreme heat can present a serious health concern.

As we get older, our bodies can become less effective at regulating temperature. Older people may also be more likely to have health conditions or take medications that can make hot weather more difficult to manage.

The risk isn't only associated with exceptionally high daytime temperatures either. Warm nights can make it harder for homes to cool down and give the body less opportunity to recover from the heat.

The Met Office has highlighted the growing importance of warm nights during UK heatwaves, noting that they can increase heat stress, particularly because most UK homes do not have air conditioning.

This is why repeated heat matters. Even when temperatures fall between heatwaves, another spell of hot weather can arrive soon afterwards, meaning older people and their families need to remain prepared.