Bolton hotter than Barcelona as Weather Bolton alert runs to Wednesday

Weather Bolton turned hotter than Barcelona during the recent heatwave, with a yellow heat health alert in place until Wednesday at 5pm. Forecasters said Bolton could reach 31C on Tuesday afternoon, while the warm spell kept UV levels high across Greater Manchester.

Dr Jane Wilcock, a retired GP, urged people to stay out of the midday sun, drink plenty of fluids and check on vulnerable neighbours. She also said people should avoid going out between 11 am and 3 pm where possible, and should wear hats, loose clothing and high-factor sun cream when outdoors.

Dr Jane Wilcock

Wilcock said she had seen the effects of severe sunburn and dehydration first-hand during her years working as a GP. She also warned that children can burn without being able to say so, telling readers: "Children of course can’t tell you that they’re burning, so it’s really important for people who are not able to express themselves clearly that you’re very careful with them."

Her advice was practical rather than abstract. Bolton was set for high temperatures through much of the week, and the alert meant the safest part of the day for outdoor plans was the window outside 11 am to 3 pm. For families, older people and anyone with a health condition, that left a narrower and more careful routine for errands, exercise and time in the sun.

Bolton Weather Forecast

The forecast also showed the heat easing and then building again. Wednesday was expected to stay warm at around 22C, before temperatures were due to rise again towards 26C on Thursday. Bolton had enjoyed a warm and sunny bank holiday weekend before the hotter midweek spell.

Wilcock said the risks were not limited to sunburn. "And then later on in life of course skin cancers, and skin cancers are at an all-time high, particularly malignant melanoma, but also basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer," she said, adding that she had seen "lots of skin cancers on ears as well as backs of hands."

That left a clear next step for residents: cover up, keep hydrated and check on people who may not manage the heat well on their own. For anyone spending time outside, the safest approach during Weather Bolton was to treat the alert as a reason to change plans, not to ignore them.