UK households told to 'stay indoors' from 11am to 3pm on Friday

UK households are being urged to stay indoors between 11am and 3pm on Friday as temperatures are forecast to reach 31C. Much of the country is experiencing the fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures across England and Wales reaching the mid-30Cs this week.

A yellow heat health alert has been extended across England and will now last into next week as the warm weather continues. The UK Health Security Agency said the warnings will now cover Yorkshire and the Humber, the East and West Midlands, London, the South East, South West and East of England until 6pm on Monday, August 18. With temperatures forecast to be hottest on Friday, UK households are being urged to take precautions in the hot weather and stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, from 11am to 3pm. This is particularly important for people who suffer from lung conditions like asthma as hot and humid conditions can make symptoms worse.

Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: "Hot and humid air causes chest tightness, coughing and wheezing, making it harder for people to breathe. We know the heat is a trigger for some people with lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

"Pollen and air pollution are also major triggers which can exacerbate breathing difficulties further, leading to peaks in emergency admissions. This is why we'd advise people with lung conditions to check pollen and air pollution forecasts during hot weather.

"If hot weather makes their symptoms worse, they should stay inside during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and continue to take their preventer inhalers and other daily medication as prescribed.

"They should also keep their reliever inhalers with them and make an urgent appointment with their GP if their symptoms don't improve."

The Met Office is forecasting temperatures of up to 31C in parts of England on Friday and the weather is expected to remain warm and dry for most parts of the country over the weekend, reaching 30C on Saturday and 29C on Sunday in South West England.

NHS advice for coping in hot weather also urges people to avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day where possible, and if you do go outside between 11am to 3pm then you should try and stay in the shade.

If you are planning to do any physical activity, like going for a walk or run, you should plan to do this during times of the day when temperatures are cooler, such as in the morning or evening.

The NHS says: "Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.

"Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes."