26/05/2026
Please DO NOT walk your dogs today! This is extreme heat & the risk of heatstroke is high!
Stay in the shade, stay hydrated & stay safe ☀️
⚠️🥵 AMBER HEAT-HEALTH ALERT IN PLACE FOR CORNWALL 🥵⚠️
Powered by Trees and Bees Cornwall Ltd
Good morning everyone,
We don’t normally post too much about Heat Health Alerts because unfortunately they sometimes attract a few “it’s only summer!” type comments… but these alerts are issued for a reason, and with the current heatwave continuing across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, it’s important people understand the risks over the next few days.
An AMBER Heat-Health Alert is currently in place from today through the 28th as temperatures continue climbing well above average for late May.
Now for many people, this weather feels absolutely lovely:
Beaches packed🍦 Ice creams vanishing at an alarming speed
Beer gardens full
And everyone suddenly becomes “sunset photographers” for a week
But prolonged heat can also cause genuine health issues, especially for:
⚠️ Elderly people
⚠️ Young children and babies
⚠️ Those with breathing or heart conditions
⚠️ Vulnerable people living independently
⚠️ Care home residents
⚠️ Anyone working or exercising outdoors
One of the biggest concerns during these heatwaves is indoor overheating. Many buildings in the UK are designed to keep heat IN during winter, which means after several hot days and warm nights, houses and flats can start holding onto heat like giant brick ovens.
And with some areas recently experiencing “tropical nights” where temperatures stayed above 20°C overnight, many people simply aren’t getting proper cooling or sleep. That can quickly lead to exhaustion, dehydration and heat stress.
Basically… your upstairs bedroom may currently have the climate of southern Spain but with less air conditioning and more angry seagulls outside the window.
🌡️ WHY THIS HEAT FEELS SO UNCOMFORTABLE 🌡️
The combination of:
Strong sunshine, Temperatures into the high 20s or low 30s, very high pollen, Saharan dust, Moderate to high air pollution, Light winds
…can make the air feel very heavy and oppressive, especially during the afternoons and evenings.
Even healthy people can start feeling:
Tired, Dizzy, Headachy, Dehydrated
Short of breath during exercise
🏃♂️ IMPORTANT FOR RUNNERS, DOG WALKERS & EXERCISE 🏃♀️
If you normally go jogging, cycling or exercising outdoors during the afternoon, it may genuinely be worth changing your routine over the next few days.
Early mornings or later evenings will be much safer and more comfortable than trying to run at 2pm in full sunshine while the pavement feels hot enough to fry a Cornish pasty.
Please also remember:
Dog walks should ideally happen earlier or later in the day
Pavements become dangerously hot for paws
Carry water if exercising outdoors
UV levels remain HIGH to VERY HIGH
And honestly… if your fitness watch starts suggesting “perhaps sit down and reconsider your life choices,” maybe listen to it.
🌿 PLEASE CHECK ON OTHERS 🌿
A quick message or visit to elderly relatives, neighbours or vulnerable friends during this weather can genuinely make a huge difference.
Sometimes people don’t realise how overheated or dehydrated they’ve become until symptoms become more serious.
Simple things help:
Drinking water regularly, keeping curtains closed during peak heat
🌬️ Opening windows overnight if cooler, using fans where possible
Avoiding direct afternoon sunshine
And yes… don’t forget to leave fresh water out for wildlife, birds and pets too.
Smudge & Gus Weather Verdict
Smudge has officially cancelled all unnecessary outdoor activity and is now stretched across the cold kitchen tiles refusing to move unless snacks are involved.
Meanwhile, Gus attempted to sit in the garden for “just five minutes,” realised the sun had become personal, and immediately returned indoors looking offended by the entire atmosphere.
Both cats have issued a joint statement saying:
“Stay inside during peak heat, nap frequently, demand cold treats, and absolutely avoid running around like lunatics in 30°C sunshine.”
More updates soon everyone and please stay safe in the heat.
Kind regards,
KWT Dave
