After a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures soaring above 35°C in parts of the UK, the weather has drastically shifted to wet and stormy conditions, including heavy rain and thunderstorms in several regions. This transition poses particular health risks for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Temperatures reached 35.1°C at Kew Gardens in west London and 32.9°C in Cardiff’s Bute Park before falling to 24.7°C at Bushy Park in Richmond upon Thames. Monday’s weather brought heavy rainfall and forecasted thunderstorms, especially impacting parts of Wales and other areas.
In response, the NHS has issued an important reminder to anyone prescribed an inhaler to carry it at all times during these changing weather conditions. “If you have been prescribed an inhaler, carry it with you during periods of thundery weather,” the NHS advised via their Instagram account.
READ MORE: World’s Healthiest Vegetable Revealed by Scientists — Costs Just £1 in Supermarkets
READ MORE: Plans for 750 New Homes on Green Belt Land Near Cheltenham Spark Outcry
The NHS highlighted that thunderstorms can worsen symptoms for people with lung conditions, including asthma. They urged those whose symptoms intensify, requiring more frequent inhaler use, to seek advice from a pharmacist, GP, or by contacting NHS 111.
Asthma affects around 7.2 million people in the UK, roughly 8% of the population, and a recent survey by Asthma + Lung UK found that 70% of asthma sufferers reported weather changes as a trigger for their symptoms.
Thundery weather following heatwaves increases the risk of a condition known as thunderstorm asthma, which can cause sudden asthma attacks and worsening symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing. While relatively rare, this condition predominantly affects individuals with both asthma and hay fever, poorly controlled asthma, undiagnosed asthma, and younger adults under 30.
To reduce the risk, the NHS advises people with asthma to always keep their inhaler on hand during thunderstorms. Asthma + Lung UK recommends maintaining good asthma management routines, staying indoors with windows closed around stormy weather, and wearing a mask if going outside to protect against pollen exposure. Those with hay fever are also encouraged to take their medication to minimize symptoms.
Staying prepared and vigilant during these unpredictable weather changes is crucial for inhaler users to maintain their respiratory health and prevent severe asthma episodes.