People across Wales are being urged to check on older relatives and neighbours as a rare red heat warning brings a risk to life this week.
The charity Age Cymru and the Welsh Government have both called for community action, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 36C in Swansea on Thursday.
The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, the most serious category, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and much of southern Wales.
Age Cymru chief executive Victoria Lloyd said heatwaves could have a troubling impact on older people, many of whom do not realise they are overheating until they are already unwell.
She said those living with long-term conditions affecting the heart, lungs or kidneys were most at risk.
“With a rare red warning meaning a high risk to life, we’re urging the public to check in on older neighbours and relatives to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat,” she said.
Simple gestures could make a real difference, she added, such as offering to pick up shopping or medication, or lending a fan.
The Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, said the extreme heat was a serious public health matter.
“Checking in on an older neighbour, a family member or a friend could genuinely save a life,” she said. “Nobody should suffer alone in dangerous temperatures.”
The minister, who is also the Senedd member for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said community action mattered as much as official guidance, and asked everyone to take a few moments to look out for those around them.
Anyone who feels unwell in the heat is advised to move somewhere cool, drink water and call NHS 111 for advice, or 999 in an emergency.
Age Cymru says there are some simple steps those most at risk can take to stay safe.
It advises staying out of direct sunlight, drinking plenty of water, and planning activities such as walking, shopping or gardening for earlier or later in the day, outside the hottest hours of 11am to 3pm.
With many homes not built for extreme heat, the charity also suggests keeping windows and curtains closed during the day to keep hot air out, then opening windows at night when it is cooler.
The heat is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday before easing towards the weekend.
Age Cymru has further advice on its website at agecymru.wales, or on its free advice line on 0300 303 44 98.
