Heatwave Health Alert issued for next three days

A heatwave health alert has been issued for the next three days by Public Health.

It's advising people to take care of themselves and others - especially the vulnerable.

Public Health says with temperatures expected to top 31 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, people should be alert to how this can affect their health.

The advice:

• Drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty
• Avoid going out between 2pm-6pm when it's hottest, if possible
• Wear light, loose clothes and use sunscreen
• If you work outside, take regular breaks in the shade
• Check on any neighbours or family who might need help
• If you need medical advice, call 111
• If someone loses consciousness, call 999

Public Health says the people most at risk are young children or people over 60, as well as pregnant women, and people with diabetes or heart conditions.

The Health Authority says it will be issuing these heatwave health alerts in response to rising temperatures across Europe.

This is a level 2 alert, for temperatures between 31 and 34 degrees.

The system can go up to amber or red alerts for higher temperatures; more information is available on the GHA website.