As heatwave heads our way, how do we stay safe in the sun?

Island could reach 27 Celsius on Thursday

Temperatures on the Isle of Man are expected to reach 'up to 26 or possibly 27 degrees Celsius in places' on Thursday (25 June).

It comes as heatwaves are already causing widespread disruption across the UK and Europe, with London braced to potentially have its hottest June day on record today (23 June).

As the heat is felt on the Island, government has issued advice to keep residents and our loved ones safe, including staying hydrated, and keeping an eye on babies, young children, and vulnerable adults.

HEATWAVES

Record temperatures are being seen across Europe and the UK, with France, Spain and Italy hit hardest so far.

On Monday (22 June) France saw its hottest June day on record, and well over half the country is on red alert.

Forty people have also drowned in heatwave-related deaths there since last Thursday (18 June).

Meanwhile, in Spain temperatures are set to peak above 40 Celsius in some areas.

Also in the international headlines today is the chief of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, who has been speaking at London Climate Action Week.

He has warned that "London isn't calling, it's cooking", as it looks braced to smash the June record set in 1976 by several degrees.

Speaking on the 50th anniversary of the start of the 1976 summer heatwave, the UK Met Office has also said that temperatures in England could reach 45 Celsius by 2056, 41 Celsius in Wales, 38 Celsius in Scotland and 30 Celsius in Northern Ireland.

ADVICE

Obviously we're nowhere near that here in the Isle of Man right now, and we're certainly not feeling the heat this week quite as much as the UK - with top temperatures so far here in the mid to high 20s, but how do you stay safe in the heat in general?

And what should you avoid?

Siobhán Fletcher has been asking Dr Ross Keat, a consultant with Public Health Isle of Man:

The key advice:

• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water!
• Make sure you take appropriate supplies out and about with you
• Wear light clothing
• Stay in the shade where possible
• Don't leave dogs in hot cars
• Be aware of babies, young children, elderly or frail adults, and vulnerable adults who can overheat very rapidly