Heat, sunburn and dehydration: why experts say people shouldn’t ignore hot weather risks

Hot weather may be welcomed by many across Northern Ireland, but health experts are warning that prolonged exposure to heat and sunshine can have serious consequences, with rising numbers of sunburn injuries, heat-related illnesses and deaths linked to excessive temperatures.

The Public Health Agency (PHA), alongside the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Children’s Burns Trust, is urging people to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families as warmer conditions continue.

The warning comes as new figures reveal a sharp rise in serious sunburn injuries among children, while separate research highlights the growing impact of extreme heat on public health across the UK.

Research cited by RoSPA found 51 people died from excessive natural heat in the UK between 2014 and 2023, while more than 1,800 heat-related hospital admissions were recorded in England during the same period.

The organisations say the risks are increasing as periods of hot weather become more frequent and intense, placing greater pressure on health services and increasing the likelihood of preventable illness and injury.

Child sunburn injuries increase sharply

Children have emerged as one of the groups most vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.

Data shared by the Children’s Burns Trust shows 252 children required admission to specialist burns units for sunburn injuries in 2025, representing a 46.5 per cent increase from 172 cases recorded in 2024.

The charity said the figures underline the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and highlight the importance of protecting children from harmful UV rays.

Heatwaves can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and burns from prolonged exposure to the sun. Children are particularly at risk because their skin burns more easily and they may not recognise the early warning signs of heat-related illness.

Meteorologists have warned that periods of extreme heat are becoming more common across the UK, increasing the risk of avoidable injuries and deaths if safety advice is not followed.

‘These deaths are not inevitable’

Steve Cole, Director of Policy and Impact at RoSPA, said:

“Heatwaves are no longer rare events, and the consequences are becoming clearer year on year.

“These deaths and hospital admissions are not inevitable. By following straightforward advice on sun safety, hydration and cooling down, people can dramatically reduce the risk to themselves and their families.”

Ken Dunn, retired Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon and Vice Chair of the Children’s Burns Trust, added:

“We are seeing a worrying rise in children experiencing sunburn, which is painful, distressing and entirely preventable.

“Simple steps like keeping children out of direct sun, covering up exposed skin and reapplying sunscreen regularly can make a real difference.”

PHA: Protect yourself from harmful UV rays

The Public Health Agency says everyone should take steps to protect their skin when the UV index reaches three or above.

People are advised to:

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest

• Cover up with suitable clothing

• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection

• Buy sunglasses carrying a CE mark or British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1

• Use sunscreen on exposed skin with a minimum SPF 30 and UVA four or five-star protection

• Apply enough sunscreen – around six teaspoons are needed to cover an adult body properly

• Reapply sunscreen regularly, particularly after swimming or sweating

• Avoid sunburn by ensuring skin never becomes pink, red, tender or irritated

The PHA notes that sunburn does not always appear as blistering or peeling skin. For people with darker skin tones, it may instead present as tenderness, irritation or itching.

Health officials also stress that everyone is at risk of sun damage, but some groups face higher risks, including people with fair hair and skin, babies and young children, outdoor workers and those with a family history of skin cancer.

Extra care needed for babies and children

The PHA advises that babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight wherever possible.

Where exposure cannot be avoided, only a small amount of high-protection sunscreen should be applied to exposed areas such as the cheeks and backs of the hands.

For children over six months, parents are advised to use SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen with a minimum four-star UVA rating, alongside suitable clothing and shade whenever possible.

Health officials emphasise that sun safety is just as important during warm weather at home as it is when travelling abroad.

Keeping cool during hot weather

The Public Health Agency is also reminding people that high temperatures can pose serious health risks beyond sunburn.

Some of its key advice includes:

• Drink cold drinks regularly, particularly water and fruit juice

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

• Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat outdoors

• Keep homes cool by closing curtains, blinds and windows when it is hotter outside

• Open windows when temperatures fall and it is safe to do so

• Use reflective materials, shades or light-coloured curtains to reduce heat indoors

• Take cool showers or baths

• Ensure you have sufficient supplies of food, water and medication

• Identify the coolest room in your home and use it when temperatures rise

Prolonged heat can be particularly dangerous for older people, young children and those with heart or lung conditions.

The PHA is encouraging people to check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to care for themselves during periods of hot weather.

Burn first aid could prevent further injury

Alongside prevention advice, the Children’s Burns Trust is reminding the public of the correct first aid steps if a burn or scald occurs.

The charity’s guidance is:

• COOL the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes

• CALL 999 or your GP for advice

• COVER the burn loosely with cling film

The organisation says prompt and appropriate first aid can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the severity of burn injuries.

Stay safe as temperatures rise

While sunshine can provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, health organisations say the risks associated with hot weather should not be ignored.

With evidence showing rising numbers of heat-related illnesses and severe sunburn injuries, particularly among children, experts are urging people to take simple precautions, stay hydrated, protect their skin and look out for vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours throughout the warmer months.

For more information, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hot-weather-advice