Brighton heat expert shares advice as temperatures set to soar across England and Wales

Following warnings from the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Neil Maxwell from the University of Brighton's internationally recognised Environmental Extremes Lab is encouraging people across the Southeast to make deliberate changes to their daily routines as temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-to-high 30s on this week.

Forecasters say temperatures could peak at 38°C across parts of southern England, with high humidity, very high UV levels and overnight temperatures remaining above 20°C in some areas. The conditions have prompted warnings of potential impacts on health, transport and infrastructure.

The warning comes as a new research co-authored by Dr Maxwell highlights the growing need for practical heat-management skills among the public as extreme heat becomes a more regular feature of UK summers. 

Published in The Sport and Exercise Scientist, the study argues that many people still underestimate the effects of heat on the body and lack the practical knowledge needed to manage periods of extreme heat safely.

Dr Maxwell, who is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Exercise Physiology at the University of Brighton, said: “Heatwaves are no longer rare events. They're becoming a regular part of British summers, which means knowing how to cope with extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important life skill. This level of heat can affect anyone, not just traditionally vulnerable groups. High temperatures, strong sunshine and warm nights place additional strain on the body, particularly when people continue with their normal routines.

“The good news is that simple actions can make a significant difference. Stay hydrated, keep your home cool, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, seek shade where possible and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.”

The researchers warn that people often fail to recognise the early signs of heat-related illness until symptoms become more serious. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea and fatigue. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

The University of Brighton's Environmental Extremes Lab specialises in understanding how the human body responds to challenging environments including extreme heat, cold and altitude. Its research helps inform approaches to public health, workplace safety and human performance in increasingly challenging environmental conditions.

Dr Maxwell added: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to carry on as normal. During periods of extreme heat we need to adapt our expectations and behaviours. Whether you're exercising, travelling or working outdoors, planning ahead and slowing down can make a substantial difference. Prevention is always easier than recovery. As our climate continues to warm, these are skills that will become increasingly important for all of us.”

The University of Brighton's Environmental Extremes Lab continues to investigate how people can adapt safely and effectively to environmental extremes, helping communities build resilience in a warming world.