Staying safe during the hot weather

16th July 2026

As warm weather continues across the country, St. Vincent’s University Hospital is reminding patients, visitors and staff to take extra care during periods of high temperatures.

Our Emergency Department is currently seeing patients with heat-related health concerns and healthcare professionals are urging everyone to be aware of the risks hot weather can pose.

Temperatures above 25°C are associated with an increased risk of heat-related illness. Heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can also place additional strain on the body and worsen heart, lung, kidney and other long-term health conditions.

In fact, many of the serious health effects experienced during hot weather result from existing medical conditions becoming worse, rather than from heat-specific illness alone.

Pauline McGrath, CEO of St. Vincent’s University Hospital, said:

“Our Emergency Department is seeing patients becoming unwell as a result of the high temperatures. We are asking everyone in our community to take some simple precautions: drink water regularly, keep cool and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Please also check in on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who lives alone or may be particularly vulnerable. A phone call or visit can make a real difference during periods of hot weather.”

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can become unwell during hot weather, but some people are particularly vulnerable, including:

• Older adults
• Babies and young children
• Pregnant women
• People with heart, lung, kidney or other long-term health conditions
• People with disabilities
• People taking certain medications
• People who work or exercise outdoors
• People who live alone or have limited social support

Please take a moment to check in on relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues who may need extra support during the hot weather.

How to stay safe in hot weather

Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
• Stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11am and 3pm
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day and opening windows when temperatures fall
• Use cool or lukewarm showers, baths or damp cloths to help you cool down
• Follow the SunSmart 5Ss: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide
• Take extra care around water and follow water safety advice
• Never leave a baby, child, vulnerable person or pet in a parked vehicle, even briefly

If you have a chronic health condition or take regular medication, speak to your GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure how hot weather may affect you or how much fluid you should drink.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can develop quickly. Symptoms may include:

• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness or fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Pale, cool or clammy skin
• Extreme thirst
• Feeling faint
• Fast breathing or a rapid pulse

If someone develops these symptoms:

• Move them to a cool place
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Give them water or a rehydration drink to sip
• Cool their skin using cool water, damp cloths or a fan
• Stay with them and monitor their condition

They should begin to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

When to seek urgent medical help

If the person does not begin to feel better within 30 minutes, or develops any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical help:

• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• A very high body temperature
• Hot, dry skin or no longer sweating
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Becoming unresponsive

These may be signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 112 or 999 immediately.

Looking out for one another

Hot weather can be particularly challenging for vulnerable members of our community. A simple phone call, visit or welfare check can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling with the heat.

By staying hydrated, keeping cool and looking out for one another, we can all help reduce the health risks associated with hot weather.

For further information, visit the HSE guidance on staying safe during hot weather and the HPSC heat health information pages.