The UK Government has issued an urgent warning about the use of electric fans during the current heatwave, advising against directing them directly at the body due to the risk of dehydration.
Heatwave Grips the UK
Hot weather has taken hold of the UK this week, with many households reaching for electric fans to keep cool. It has been an exceptionally hot week, with temperatures breaking new records for May. There have been highs of 35°C across the UK, with warm weather still continuing. Highs of 33°C are expected today, with 29°C tomorrow and 29°C again on Saturday in southern areas. In the north, maximum highs of 29°C, 24°C and 24°C are expected over the three days, the Met Office says. The temperatures mean many homes will be still using electric fans.
Official Warning on Fan Usage
However, the UK Government has issued a warning about using them incorrectly. The official advice reads: "Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration." Dehydration is a serious risk when the temperatures rise. Babies, children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration.
Understanding Dehydration
According to the NHS, dehydration is when the body loses more fluids than is taken in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem. Symptoms in adults and children include feeling thirsty, headaches, dark yellow and strong-smelling wee, feeling dizzy or tired, dry mouth and sunken eyes. In babies symptoms might include sunken eyes, a sunken soft spot on top of their head, few or no tears when crying, fewer wet nappies than usual and being drowsy.
Alternative Cooling Methods
There are other ways to keep your home cool so you don't risk dehydration from being directly in front of a fan. The government recommend closing blinds and curtains, moving to a cooler part of the house and opening windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside. You should also check any heating is turned off, lights and electrical items not in use are also turned off and go outside if it is cooler in the shade. Gov UK added: "Public buildings such as places of worship, local libraries or supermarkets may be cooler than your home. If they are nearby consider visiting one of these as a way of cooling down."
Weather Outlook
In its latest weather forecast, the Met Office said temperatures will continue to ease and turn fresher as the hot spell breaks on Friday. It said: "Most will see a noticeable drop from the hottest conditions of recent days, but still above average for many, with the peaks of 28°C increasingly confined to the far southeast. Spells of rain will be seen across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland at first, before moving further north. Though some cloud and patchy rain linger in central and southern areas, much of England and Wales will turn brighter and drier through Friday."
