AQW 49940/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 30/06/2026
Answered On Date: 29/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans that are in place to issue public health warnings and guidance during periods of extreme heat.

Answer:

During spells of prolonged hot weather, the Public Health Agency (PHA) already issues public messaging through both news releases and on social media with advice on:

Protecting against sun exposure when UV levels are moderate or high.

Use of shade, clothing, and sunscreen.

Avoiding peak sun hours where possible.

Staying cool.

Reducing the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.

A recent example of this published on 23 June 2026 is available at www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/hot-weather-advice. Further information on how to stay safe in the sun is available on the Care in the Sun website at https://careinthesun.org/.

The PHA also support this messaging by sign posting the public to NI Direct. NI Direct (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke) provides information to the public on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. This includes information on symptoms, how to help treat it (for yourself and for others), and advice on when to seek medical help. The NI Direct website also signposts to other webpages that provide further hot weather advice.

The daily UV index for local areas is also available through the weather app on smartphones or by downloading the Met Office app.