Extreme heat: LRF urges communities to look out for each other

Communities are being urged to look out for each other during a second spell of extreme heat which poses a risk to people of all ages.

With temperatures potentially reaching up to 39°C across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), the latest heatwave reinforces Met Office predictions that the likelihood of a hot summer in 2026 is twice as high as normal. 

There is particular concern for young people, following a recent spate of water-related deaths during hot weather, and for older or more vulnerable people, who are less able to cope in the heat.

During extreme heat, remember:

  • It’s not safe to swim in open water. Go to a local swimming pool instead. If someone gets into trouble in open water, call 999 and tell them to ‘float to live’ by lying on their back
  • Stay cool indoors, especially during the hottest hours of 11am – 3pm, and keep hydrated
  • Check on older or more vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives

This spell of extreme heat follows a drier than average period in the three months from March to May, according to the Met Office, and is part of an increasing pattern of heatwaves.

Risk Ready Communities

To help local communities prepare for growing risks like extreme weather, the LRF is providing free webinars and other resources as part of its Risk Ready Communities programme which was launched earlier this year.

Alice Moorcroft-Hughes, Delivery Manager for the programme, says: “We all love the idea of sunny days but, in fact, extreme heat can pose real risks for a lot of people, including the young – who may be tempted to take risks in open water – and older or more vulnerable people who are less able to cope in such hot conditions.

“By joining forces with other people in our communities, we can help to look out for each other, including at-risk groups, and stay safe. One way to do this is by creating a Community Response Plan so you can be better prepared and act faster in an emergency.”

Free webinar

People can sign up now for a free webinar to help them be ‘risk ready’ and create (or refresh) their own Community Response Plan for hazards including extreme heat.

  • Community Response Plans - Wednesday 1 July, 2pm – 3:30pm, repeated on Thursday 2 July, 6:30pm – 8pm

All webinars, workshops and resources are free and open to everyone, including residents, community groups, businesses, local councils, faith groups and anyone else living or working in LLR.

Risk Ready Communities is led by the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), in partnership with charity Groundwork Five Counties and Communities Prepared (a Groundwork South programme).