Public Health Scotland published guidance on keeping well in hot weather on 23 June 2026, stating that Scotland is set to experience some hot weather this week while temperatures reach exceptional levels across some parts of the UK1.
The agency said hot weather can cause people to become unwell and that some people are more at risk. It named people over age 65, babies and young children, and those with underlying health conditions as among those most at risk1. The guidance covers staying cool indoors, sun exposure, hydration, skin protection, timing of exercise and outdoor activities, and watching for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke1. Public Health Scotland also directed readers to NHS inform for further hot weather advice, including what to do if heat exhaustion or heat stroke is suspected1.
"As temperatures reach exceptional levels across some parts of the UK, Scotland is also set to experience some hot weather this week."
The published advice, as set out by Public Health Scotland, is summarised below1.
| Area | Guidance as published |
|---|---|
| Indoors | Keep cool indoors: close blinds or curtains in sunny rooms, move to cooler parts of the house if you can, especially for sleeping |
| Sun | Stay in the shade when the sun is strongest (11am to 3pm) |
| Hydration | Stay hydrated, take extra water when you go outside |
| Skin | Protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher and wear loose clothing |
| Activity | Plan exercise and outdoor activities for cooler times of the day |
| Heat illness | Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke |
| Others | Check on others, particularly those most at risk, and never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle as these can get hot very quickly |
The guidance does not give regional detail for Scotland, temperature thresholds or a forecast map; these have not been reported in the published advice1.
Why it matters for households
The advice applies to households in Scotland during a week in which hot weather is expected, with temperatures described as reaching exceptional levels in some other parts of the UK1. Public Health Scotland identifies older people, babies and young children, and people with underlying health conditions as more at risk of becoming unwell in hot weather1. Its published points cover the home, sleep, time outdoors, water intake, sun protection and the timing of exercise, and it advises checking on those most at risk and not leaving anyone in a closed, parked vehicle1. For suspected heat exhaustion or heat stroke, it points to NHS inform1.
What happens next
No further dates or steps have been announced beyond the publication of the guidance on 23 June 2026 and the reference to NHS inform for more detailed advice1. Households can read the site's heatwaves and drought hub, its page on the Adverse Weather and Health Plan and how services respond, and its guidance on keeping babies and young children safe in hot weather.
Sources (1)
- Keeping well in the hot weather - News - Public Health Scotland, publichealthscotland.scot
