Tropical nights ahead amid new amber heat alert

An amber heat alert has been issued for the south-west of England as temperatures are set to soar for four days in a new heatwave.

The UK Health Service Agency (UKHSA) issued the warning, which will come into place from Wednesday at 08:00 BST until 12 July at 21:00.

BBC senior weather presenter Sara Thornton said temperatures will potentially stay about 30C (86F), 10C (50f) above average, for at least 10 days from Wednesday.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, the UKHSA's head of extreme events and health protection, said they do not expect the impacts to health to be as high as June's heatwave based on the current forecast, but said older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are "still at risk".

It comes weeks after the west was placed under multiple heat alerts during the June heatwave, including a red alert which indicates a risk to life.

The UKHSA said a rise in deaths could happen, particularly among people aged 65 and over or those with health conditions.

Indoor environments could also overheat, creating an increased risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care homes.

It said there could also be travel delays and a rise in water-related incidents such as drowning and cold-water shock.

Thornton said: "In the last heatwave many of us not only struggled with the record-breaking daytime temperatures, but also with sleep-disrupting heat at night.

"In the West we saw a run of four tropical nights, where temperatures don't fall below 20C (68F), combined with high humidity.

"We have the potential to see one or two tropical nights again later this week, most likely on Thursday and Friday nights, but overall, this heatwave is not quite as warm by night.

"Crucially, it's also nowhere near as humid, so you should be able to cool down more easily," she added.

Thornton said the heatwave is likely to last longer than those experienced in May and June.

Sousa said it was "important" for everyone to take "sensible precautions while enjoying the sun".

"Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population," he said.

"If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice," he added.

Sousa said people could take "simple steps" such as "staying hydrated" and "avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day".

"Keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather," he added.

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