Met Office issues urgent '30 and 4' alert for everyone living in UK to follow
The Met Office is encouraging people to follow the guidelines as temperatures are set to soar to 34C
The Met Office has shared its sunscreen guidelines as temperatures rocket
(Image: Getty )
The Met Office has issued safety advice for UK households this week as temperatures are set to reach a scorching 34C. The government agency's recent guidance urges residents to follow a specific 'rule' over the coming days.
After a couple of weeks of milder weather, the heat has returned and is staying put this week, with sizzling forecasts. Tuesday (12 August) is expected to see highs of 34C, with temperatures hovering around the low 30s for the remainder of the week in some areas, reports the Mirror.
A Met Office spokesperson shared the latest weather forecast, saying: "It will be a hot and humid week for many, especially in the south, with some areas experiencing their fourth heatwave of the summer so far. The peak of the warmth is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, where temperatures could reach 34C before a slow decline for the rest of the week.
"Although there will be lots of sunshine on offer, there is the potential for some heavy and thundery showers, especially in the north." They further added: "Today (Tuesday) will be hot across much of England and Wales, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 30C in central and southern areas, with a peak of around 34C most likely in the West Midlands or east Wales. Other parts of the UK will also be warm."
Amid the blistering conditions, the Met Office is encouraging everyone to follow its guidance for staying cool. The weather service posted four recommendations on X to help people remain safe during the sweltering heat.
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It said: "UV levels will be high in some parts of the UK this week. Keep an eye on UV levels in your area by checking the latest forecast on our website or app before heading outside." The initial recommendation advises people to seek shade wherever possible between 11am and 3pm when the sun reaches its peak intensity.
The second highlights the crucial need to dress appropriately for the blazing conditions. "Cover up with suitable clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat," the Met Office advised. A further suggestion reads: "Take extra caution with children."
Regarding the final recommendation, the Met Office promotes its '30 and four' approach for sunscreen application. It explains: "Apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen with 4 star UVA protection. Reapply regularly especially after activities that remove it."
The Met Office is urging everyone to stick to its advice for keeping cool
(Image: Getty )
SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB rays, whilst SPF 50 filters around 98%. Though this variation might seem negligible, it can prove significant for those spending prolonged periods outdoors or individuals with particularly delicate skin.
The NHS says: "The higher the star rating, the better. The letters 'UVA' inside a circle are a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations. Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called broad spectrum."
What's the difference between UVA and UVB?
UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation produced by the sun, and both can cause harm to your skin. Sun cream is designed to shield you from both UVA and UVB rays.
When a sun cream is marked "broad spectrum," it indicates it protects against both forms of ultraviolet radiation. UVB rays primarily result in sunburn, whilst UVA rays are associated with skin ageing and cancer.
UVA rays:
Longer wavelength, ranging from 315-400 nm.
Penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis (the deeper layer).
Primarily linked to skin ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, age spots), contributes to skin cancer development.
Present throughout the day, even on cloudy or overcast days, and can penetrate glass.
UVA rays contribute to long-term skin damage and are a major factor in premature ageing.
UVB rays:
Shorter wavelength, ranging from 280-315 nm.
Affects the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
Mainly responsible for sunburns and play a crucial role in the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Intensity varies with the time of day and season (strongest during midday and summer).
While UVB doesn't penetrate as deeply as UVA, it still significantly contributes to skin damage and cancer development.
Ensure you apply sun cream liberally at least 30 minutes before venturing into the sun. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or perspiring. Reapplication is crucial because sun cream can be easily rubbed off or washed away by water or sweat.
Bear in mind that even on overcast days, you still require sun cream as approximately 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. The Met Office advises that to remain safe, you should seek shade, wear lightweight clothing, and consume plenty of water. Should you need to exercise, attempt to do so early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Cropped shot of young woman putting sunscreen lotion on her body while sunbathing on the beach. Summer vacation.
Apply sunscreen when outdoors in is important. Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much UV radiation, typically from the sun but also from tanning beds. Severe sunburn can be quite serious, and while all sunburns can lead to significant long-term health issues, most people start off with mild symptoms like hot, red skin.
It's important to protect yourself from sunburn because too much UV radiation can directly harm the DNA in your skin cells. Often, not all the sun damage gets completely fixed by your body's defence system, which means it can slowly lead to skin ageing over time and might even result in skin cancer.
It's vital to ensure you're consuming adequate water throughout the day. The NHS recommends consuming between six to eight cups of water each day. A practical tip to achieve this is to carry a reusable water bottle, which can serve as a reminder to hydrate.
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You could also schedule specific times for drinking water, such as starting your day with a glass of water in the morning. According to the NHS, it's wise to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as feeling dizzy, nauseous, experiencing muscle cramps, or confusion.
If you observe any signs of heat-related illness, it's crucial to seek medical assistance immediately. Learn how to protect yourself from sunburn with this NHS advice, and get up-to-date information from our UV forecast.
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