Emergency updates

Hot weather information and service updates

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a Red Weather Warning for Extreme Heat covering Oxfordshire, from 9am on Wednesday 24 June until 9pm on Thursday 25 June.

High temperatures can affect health, travel and local services. Please take extra care during hot weather and check on friends, family members and neighbours who may be vulnerable.

Stay safe in the heat

Hot weather can be dangerous, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions. During periods of extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated
• Keep out of the sun where possible and avoid strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm
• Stay in the shade and wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
• Take water with you when travelling
• Keep your home cool by closing curtains and blinds during the day

Waste collections

During hot weather, waste collection times may start earlier than usual. Please put your bins out the night before collection, or by 6am at the latest, to ensure they are collected.

You can check your collection day here.

Water safety

Rivers, lakes and other open water can be dangerous, even during hot weather, due to cold-water shock, strong currents and hidden hazards.

If you are planning to swim:

• Choose designated swimming facilities or supervised swimming areas
• Enter the water gradually to reduce the risk of cold-water shock
• Never jump into unknown water
• If you get into difficulty, float on your back until you can control your breathing and call for help

Parents and carers: Talk to your children about water safety during hot weather. Make sure you know where they are planning to swim and encourage them to use designated swimming facilities rather than rivers, lakes or other open water.

Cool down safely at one of our our leisure centre swimming pools across the district. Visit the Better UK website to find your nearest swimming pool.

Travel advice

High temperatures can affect roads and public transport.

Before travelling, be sure to:

• Check road conditions and public transport timetables
• Check with rail operators for any disruption to services
• Carry water with you
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing
• Look out for fellow passengers who may be struggling in the heat

Look out for others

Extreme heat can have a serious impact on older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.

Please check in on family members, friends and neighbours who may need support.

If you are worried about your health, or that of somebody you know, contact NHS 111.

Support for people sleeping rough

Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated and is expected to remain in place until Friday 26 June to help protect people who are rough sleeping during the extreme heat.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please contact StreetLink with their location and a brief description so local outreach services can offer support.

If you are homeless and need advice on cool places to stay safe during the heat, please contact us on 01993 861000.

Looking after pets

Hot weather can be just as dangerous for pets as it is for people.

To help keep your pets safe:

• Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh drinking water
• Provide shade and a cool place to rest
• Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day
• Never leave pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time

For more advice on keeping pets safe during hot weather, visit the Blue Cross website.

Be prepared

It's also worth preparing for the possibility of power cuts by having:

• A torch
• Spare batteries
• A charged mobile phone or power pack
• Essential medications and supplies

Further information

For general advice on staying safe during hot weather, including how to keep cool, stay hydrated and look after vulnerable people, visit the government's 'Beat the Heat' webpages.

For the latest forecasts, weather warnings, and advice, visit the Met Office website. 

You can also find the latest information about schools, household waste recycling centres (tips) and county council services on the Oxfordshire County Council website.