HEALTH officials in North Yorkshire are urging people to think how this week's "heatwave" may impact on them.

The Met Office has forecast potential heatwave conditions for all parts of England, except the north east, and has declared a Level 2 Heat-health alert.

This warning is triggered when the Met Office forecasts that there is a 60 per cent or higher chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night to have a significant effect on health.

Martyn Regan, centre director for Public Health England (PHE) Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the good weather safely. Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them, help them stay hydrated with plenty of cool drinks, and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.

“Try to keep bedroom and living spaces cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat. A trip to a park where there’s lots of shade or a public building that is air conditioned, may help offer some relief from the heat for vulnerable people.”

Advice for keeping safe in the heat:

• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

• apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection

• wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes

• wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf

• drink lots of cool drinks

• look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses

• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals Local authorities, professionals and community groups can prepare for hot weather by reviewing the Heatwave Plan for England on the PHE website.