Red alert heat advice and school changes

A red heat health alert covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on Wednesday and Thursday this week, as some schools announce changes for students.

The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office alert is the first red heat health alert for the South West since July 2022, while an Amber extreme heat warning also covers the area as hot and humid conditions continue.

Council services, including waste collections, are expected to operate as normal, with teams also supporting vulnerable residents and people sleeping rough through the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.

You can keep up-to-date with school closures for Dorset here, but so far no closures have been announced for BCP.

Councillor Millie Earl said people should enjoy the weather while looking after themselves and others, adding that residents should check on neighbours or anyone they are concerned about during the heat.

Older people, young children and people with long-term health conditions may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated, and residents are advised to drink fluids, shade their homes and plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.

Community welcome spaces are available for people who need somewhere to cool down, while anyone worried about a rough sleeper can contact the BCP rough sleeping service.

Visitors to the seafront are being advised to use sunscreen, suitable clothing and hats, and watch for heat stress symptoms including dizziness, cramps, fainting, nausea and severe thirst.

There are 150 free drinking water refill stations along the seafront, and swimmers are urged to use lifeguarded beaches, stay between red and yellow flags and call 999 for the Coastguard if someone is in difficulty.

RNLI Water Safety Manager Ross Macleod said people should enter open water slowly because cold water shock can quickly cause gasping, panic and difficulty swimming.