THE Met Office has issued its first-ever red heat warning for North Worcestershire as temperatures are set to reach the mid-30s.

An extreme heat warning has been issued for Monday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 19 as forecasters predict record-breaking temperatures.

The Met office said nights are likely to also be exceptionally warm which could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

It is advised that substantial changes in working practices and daily routines should be implemented and there is a high risk of failing heat-sensitive systems and equipment.

Stay out of the sun

Liz Altay, interim director of public health for Worcestershire said: “With temperatures due to soar on Monday and Tuesday, it’s never been more important to look after your health.

“Please stay out of the sun as much as possible, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm.  When you are in the sun, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

“Keep drinking fluids. It’s very important to stay hydrated. Make sure you consume enough fluids throughout the day and avoid drinking excess alcohol and caffeine in the heat.

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Gritters

Gritters are on stand-by across Worcestershire to help prevent roads from melting in hot weather.

When temperatures break the 30C for a prolonged period, roads are at risk of starting to melt.

The gritting vehicles will spread light dusting of crushed stone, instead of the traditional salt, to soak up excess tar and reduces the chances of road surfaces melting by reflecting a larger amount of the sun’s rays.

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Consider your dog’s welfare

Worcestershire Regulatory Services is reminding those with pets to consider their welfare in the heat.

Senior dog warden, Pip Singleton is reminding owners that even everyday activities, such as going for a walk, can be fatal to our beloved pets in extreme conditions.

She said: “Your dog will not die with one less walk, however heatstroke to dogs can be fatal.”

“Be mindful of your pets as they struggle to regulate their body temperature. Do what you can to keep them cool.”

Owners should also be conscious that certain pets, such as elderly animals or breeds with breathing difficulties, have a higher risk of health issues in the heat.

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Rise in 999 calls

West Midlands Ambulance Service has already seen a rise in the number of heat-related calls to both the 999 and 111 services with calls about sunburn, heat stroke, BBQ burns, dehydration, breathing difficulties and from people enjoying the outdoors who are ill-prepared.

The service said It is vital that people take on board the warning so that preventable situations don’t end up resulting in people needing to access help from the NHS.

Emergency services operations delivery director, Nathan Hudson, said: “Almost everyone enjoys a sunny day, but the difference this time is that temperatures have the potential to reach levels never before seen in the West Midlands.

“Heat can cause some very serious health implications if we don’t treat it with respect, particularly for the very young and elderly, but it can affect people of all ages.

“Dehydration is one of the biggest risks – it happens when you lose more fluid than you take in.  We all need to drink enough when it’s hot; water and fruit juices are much better than alcohol, which is a diuretic and will speed up dehydration.”