Preparing for heatwaves

Sustained periods of heat can cause health problems and higher mortality rates. Exposure to heat poses different risks for different people.

People who are particularly vulnerable

• The elderly.
• The chronically ill.
• People with disabilities.
• Young children.
• Pregnant women.
• People taking certain medicines.

People and animals can experience heatstroke or dehydration.

How to manage a heatwave

In the run-up to a heatwave, you need to understand the risks and prepare yourself. During a heatwave, there are different ways to look after yourself or someone who is particularly vulnerable.

Stay informed

• Forecasts and warnings for high temperatures are available on the SMHI website and in the SMHI weather app.
• MSB's heatwave map service shows areas at risk of developing high temperatures.

Prepare

• Greenery and water have a cooling effect. Create shade with trees and greenery around your property. Replace hard surfaces with vegetation or install a pond.
• Make sure your property has adequate sun protection, such as awnings and blinds.
• Choose facade and roofing materials, colours, and other building materials with good thermal properties.
• Ensure that there are cool places, such as basements or cool rooms and patios, to move around in.
• Check the property's ventilation and inspect the insulation and any cooling system.
• Place heat-sensitive equipment in naturally cool areas.
• Purchase equipment that can reduce indoor temperatures or mitigate the effects of a heatwave, such as portable air conditioners or ice machines.

Taking care of yourself during the heatwave

• Pay attention to indoor temperatures and follow SMHI forecasts and warnings.
• Drink more water. Don't wait until you get thirsty. Eat liquid-rich foods such as vegetables and fruit. Avoid large amounts of sugary drinks and alcohol. Be aware that people around you may need help staying hydrated.
• Create a cool environment. Use curtains, blinds, and awnings to keep the heat out when the sun shines in. Try to be in the coolest place in your home. Ventilate at night when it is cool.
• Cool yourself down. A cold shower is most effective. A wet towel around your neck is an alternative. Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials, which are cooler than tight-fitting synthetic clothes.
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day.
• Pay attention to your body's warning signs. These may include elevated body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, as well as recent dizziness and abnormal fatigue. Dry mouth and decreased urine output can be signs of dehydration.
• Store medicines properly. Some medicines should be kept cooler than 25 degrees centigrade or in a refrigerator. Read the instructions on the pack.
• If possible, switch off heat sources such as computers, TVs and other electrical appliances.
• Be aware of the risk of fire. Remember that dry and hot weather increases the risk of fire in forests and fields. Wooden buildings can also dry out and become more flammable during a heatwave.

Society-wide effects that can impact you as an individual

Extreme temperatures can cause social upheaval. Heat associated with drought can lead to water shortages and increase the risk of fires in forests and fields.
High temperatures accelerate the growth of bacteria in drinking water and food, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

Transport, electronic equipment and energy supplies can also be affected. Strains on electricity grids increase during periods of high temperatures, as power stations and businesses need to be cooled. In extreme heat, railway tracks can be affected by so-called solar curves.

Agriculture and nature are also affected by heat – especially if humidity and precipitation are low.