Leeds Council Advises Residents on Staying Safe in Hot Weather

Preparations underway as city faces rising temperatures

Leeds City Council has issued advice to residents on how to stay safe during periods of hot weather, following the UK’s hottest ever day recorded in May. The council is introducing measures to help people cope with rising temperatures, including the launch of a network of cool spaces across the city.

Record temperatures and health risks

Leeds has experienced record-breaking temperatures in recent years, notably reaching 40°C for the first time in 2022. This extreme heat prompted a red heat health warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). With climate change contributing to warmer summers, the council is taking steps to reduce the health risks associated with heatwaves.

Cool spaces pilot scheme

From 1 June to 30 September, a pilot scheme will open a number of cool spaces across Leeds. These indoor venues, including community hubs, libraries, leisure centres, and neighbourhood networks, will provide places for people to rest and cool down during hot weather. They will offer free drinking water but are not intended to provide medical care or specialist support.

• Available from 1 June to 30 September
• Includes community hubs, libraries, leisure centres, and neighbourhood networks
• Provides free drinking water and shaded, cool environments
• Not a substitute for medical care

A full list of the cool spaces is available on the Leeds City Council website.

Advice for residents during hot weather

The council emphasises that hot weather can pose health risks to all, but particularly to vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. Residents are advised to:

• Protect themselves from excessive sun and heat, especially between 11am and 3pm
• Stay cool and shaded
• Carry and drink plenty of water
• Use shading or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight to keep homes cooler
• Open windows when outdoor air is cooler than inside

Residents can also sign up for the heat-health alert service provided by UKHSA and the Met Office to receive notifications about heatwave risks.

Tick awareness during warmer months

In addition to heat concerns, the council highlights an increased risk of tick bites during spring and summer. Ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas. To reduce the risk of tick bites, residents are advised to:

• Stick to clearly defined paths when walking outdoors
• Wear clothing that covers the skin
• Regularly check clothing and exposed skin for ticks
• Remove any attached ticks promptly using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers

Further information on tick removal is available through official health guidance.

Statements from council representatives

Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, stated that certain groups face greater risks during hot weather, including those living in densely populated areas. She noted the importance of providing accessible cool spaces to help residents stay well.

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Communities and Community Safety, Councillor Mary Harland, emphasised the importance of having access to cool environments and water to maintain safety during summer months.

Executive Member for Equality, Adults and Health, Councillor Emma Flint, highlighted the council’s commitment to raising awareness about heat safety and supporting vulnerable residents.

Further information

The council’s report on heat and health, titled Heat in the City: Our Health in a Warming Leeds, outlines strategies for managing rising temperatures.

Details of the cool spaces pilot scheme can be found at Welcome Spaces | Leeds.gov.uk.