Met Office Lengthens Amber Heat Warning to Tuesday with Forecast Highs of 36-37C

The Met Office has extended its amber extreme heat warning to cover both Monday and Tuesday, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius across parts of the country. Robert Bradshaw, Superintendent Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said high temperatures and humidity cause the heart to beat faster and circulate twice as much blood around the body in people with high blood pressure.

He added that beta blockers and diuretics may compromise the body's capacity to maintain proper hydration or cope with intense heat.

Bradshaw advised individuals with hypertension to consume ample fluids, seek cool environments, and wear protective headwear when outdoors. He said regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential during the heatwave. Symptoms such as severe fatigue, confusion, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, headaches, limb swelling or nausea warrant immediate emergency medical attention, Bradshaw stated.

5 litres of fluid daily, equivalent to roughly six to eight glasses, though fluid requirements increase substantially during hot weather due to accelerated water loss from perspiration, he said. Symptoms of dehydration include feeling extra thirsty, tired or dizzy, headaches, constipation, nausea, and dark, strong-smelling urine.

Bradshaw advised restricting alcohol during hot weather because of its diuretic properties and said oral rehydration sachets containing glucose, sodium and potassium can help replenish lost salts.

Insect stings and bites typically manifest as a brief, sharp sensation followed by localised swelling. Antihistamines can alleviate itching from insect stings and bites, while steroid creams reduce inflammation, and repellents containing DEET offer effective protection, Bradshaw said.