Four-day heat health alert as temperatures soar

An amber heat health warning has been issued across Devon and Cornwall.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the alert would come into force from midday and would last until 09:00 BST on Monday.

It warned of a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, as well as a likely increase in demand on all health and social care services.

The Met Office said temperatures across the south west could reach 30C on Friday and 28C on Saturday.

It said peak temperatures of 33C were possible in parts of England and Wales on Saturday.

The agency said yellow and amber alerts had been issued elsewhere in England.

The alert system is provided by the UKHSA and the Met Office and is designed to let the public know how harmful hot or cold weather can be to health.

The amber alert means conditions could affect the whole population and the NHS and could cause travel disruption.

Exeter City Council has urged people to avoid the sun between 11:00 and 15:00 BST and drink plenty of water.

"It's going to be very hot and that can be dangerous - especially for older people, young children and anyone with health conditions," it said.

HM Coastguard has launched its Coast Clever summer safety campaign which warns of coastal dangers and hazards, including cliff falls, tidal cut offs, offshore winds and mud.

It said, according to the Water Incident Database (Waid), over the past three years most drownings occurred in July with the majority of casualties being males in the 20 to 29 age bracket.

Last year, HM Coastguard responded to more than 600 tidal cut off incidents.

Chief coastguard Pat O'Callaghan said: "We'd like the public to enjoy the warmer weather and our wonderful coastline but they need to be aware of the risks.

"Mud, tides, cliffs and offshore winds can very quickly put lives in danger.

"If you need help during a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for coastguard."

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