Brummies share how they’re embracing the heatwave

Sunny weather is something we all tend to embrace in Britain, and this week sees potentially record breaking temperatures forecast across the country.

BirminghamWorld spoke with Brummies in the city centre on Monday (11 July) about what they’re going to do to make the most of the weather, but also what measures they’re taking to keep themselves safe.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, sais:“Well lovely weather, yes, But sadly, I’ve got five days of work in the office. So that’s bad planning. But I will say, last night, I had a lovely drink alongside the canal. What’s not to like about that?”

Areeba says: “Being outside is really nice. And it’s pretty lovely. I’ve just come back from a driving theory test, so I’ve been indoors. But other than that, we went out yesterday, it was very nice. We went to Weston Park, it was lovely area, we got to see a lot of nature and it’s just really nice to see in the hot weather. But sometimes it does get bit hot so I have to stay inside and cool down with, like, an ice cream.”

Sean added: “So normally I’d go inside for a lunch or have lunch in the office. Today it’s absolutely beautiful weather. So I thought, we’ll grab some lunch, we’ll sit outside, get the sun in our skin. And then we’ll go back to the the office happy people. So in the evenings, I’m gonna get a barbecue going, I’m gonna get some friends round, get a few beers, and just make the most of the weather really.”

Maithan said: “I think for me, the most important thing and the thing that I love about the sun is obviously that I can go out in my shorts. Obviously, I’m from Tanzania, which is a very tropical country, and this is the way that we dress normally there. And you know, we know how England is, you know, the winters, the rain, so it does really limit me to dressing up in the way that I want to. But when I get the sun in this kind of weather it just allows me to go out in a short and a T shirts,  and you know, some slippers, so it’s great.”

And while the temperature is set to slowly taper off towards the end of the week, the Met Office predicts that over the weekend we could be facing potentially record breaking temperatures in parts of the UK - with a current forecast of 30 degrees on Sunday across the West Midlands. This has led to a level 3 heat-health alert in much of England.

The West Midlands is currently at level 2 - promoting alertness and readiness to reduce harm. So we asked Brummies what measures they’re taking to keep themselves protected.

Andy Street added: “I think it’s one precaution above all else - drink, drink, drink! Preferably water. Because you know, dehydration is one of the worst things so that’s what you’ve got to do. That’s the most important precaution.”

The Met Office offers a series of suggestions to keep safe during extreme heat. Closing blinds or curtains to keep your house cool, keeping any areas you find yourself well ventilated, lots of cool showers, avoiding exercise when it’s very hot, wearing your sunscreen and perhaps most importantly - to stay hydrated. And while most of us can and will make the most of the sunny weather over the coming weeks without concern, remember to keep an eye on anyone who may be vulnerable.

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