HEALTH chiefs are urging residents to take care of elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours - as forecasters predict the heatwave will continue well into July.

Public Health England have issued a level three heat health warning for the south west - the second highest level of alert.

It comes with advice on how people can stay safe in the hot weather.

Mike Wade, deputy director of health protection for PHE South West, said: “When weather like this hits, for some people, temperatures like these, over more than a day or two, can be really uncomfortable and pose a significant risk to health.

“This is because their bodies may struggle to adapt to working harder, as all our bodies do when the weather gets this hot, and they can become ill.

“It’s vitally important that we keep an eye on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk.

“For others, the best thing to do is avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, carry water with you when travelling and if going out to large events, and we know lots of people will be watching football this week, think what you can do stay cool.

“It’s also worth remembering to think about keeping homes cool as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat of the day.”

Temperatures reached at least 30 degrees Celsius in all parts of the UK over the last few days - the first time since 2013 that this has happened.

Chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Will Lang, said that the heatwave conditions are expected to continue over the next few days. Peak temperatures may not be quite so high as over the weekend, but 30 degrees Celsius is still possible in the south west.

Dorset, like elsewhere, is expected to remain dry and sunny for the rest of the week, with temperatures up to 28 degrees and a risk of foggy patches overnight.

Advice from Public Health England includes:

  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors

  • Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated

  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat

  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day

  • Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes