Severe weather updates

This page will be updated regularly with advice and information during severe weather events such as flooding and extreme heat (red alerts). 

Status: no severe weather warnings

General information   

Health advice during hot weather:  

Beat the heat  

NHS advice on heat exhaustion and heat stroke  

NHS advice on sunscreen and sun safety  

Keeping cool in heatwaves 

Staying cool at home  

When the hot weather arrives there are several quick and easy steps that we can all take to reduce heat in the home:  

  • If possible, shade or cover windows.  
  • Open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through the home.  
  • Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.  
  • Check that your heating is turned off.  
  • To reduce heat generated in the home, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and consider cooking at cooler times of the day.  
  • Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible.  
  • It may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets) so consider a visit as a way of cooling down if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat.  

Spaces to stay cool in Oxford  

Spaces to stay cool are available across the city in the following locations:  

The Oxford Clarion has also produced a list of cool spaces in Oxford. 

Parks and waterways  

Parks  

Rules apply around using BBQs in Port Meadow, Burgess Field, Wolvercote Common, Rivermead Nature Reserve, Angel and Greyhound Meadow, and South Park.  

All these open spaces have been damaged by fires in the past. The fires have burnt the grass and scorched the ground, which can take years to recover.  

Waterways  

Rivers and open waterways can be dangerous, with hidden currents, underwater hazards and rapidly changing conditions. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has water safety advice related to avoiding getting into difficulty in the county’s waterways during the hot weather. 

Cold water shock 

Cold water shock is a sudden and involuntary response that occurs when the body is unexpectedly immersed in water below 15°C. Even on a hot day, the sea, rivers, and lakes in the UK can remain cold enough to trigger this reaction. It’s a physiological response that can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or swimming ability. 

If you unexpectedly find yourself in cold water, the most important thing is not to panic. Fight the instinct to swim hard or thrash about. The Met Office, RNLI, and RLSS UK, recommend the following advice: 

  1. Lean back and try to float, keeping your head above water. 
  2. Extend your arms and legs to help you stay afloat. 
  3. Control your breathing, this is key to surviving the initial shock. 
  4. Once you’ve calmed your breathing, call for help or look for something to hold onto. 
  5. If possible, swim to safety only once you’ve recovered from the initial effects. 

This simple technique, known as “Float to Live”, can save your life. 

Safer ways to enjoy the sunshine include:  

Swimming pools across Oxford (including free swimming sessions for under-17s at Hinksey, Barton, Ferry and Leys Leisure Centres at selected times).  

Staying hydrated in hot weather   

As part of its campaign to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles, Refill Return has set up a network of water bottle refill stations throughout the city – including all our leisure centres and Oxford Town Hall. Look out for the sticker in shop and business windows or check the Refill Return website or app.   

Drinking water fountains are also available in Florence Park, Bury Knowle Park and Cutteslowe Park.  

Thames Water incidents 

Thames Water regularly updates its list of water related incidents in the region. 

Power outages 

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks list power outages at any one moment.  You can zoom in and out of the map on this page or search by postcode.

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