BREAKING: UK Met Office issues major 'health alert' for South West region this weekend

People across the South West are being urged to take extra care in the coming days as an amber heat-health alert has been issued for the region.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), alongside the Met Office, announced that the South West, along with the South East, East Midlands, London and the East of England, is now under an amber warning from midday today, Friday 27 June, until 6pm on Tuesday 1 July.

A yellow alert has also been issued for Yorkshire & Humber and the West Midlands.

READ MORE: ALERT: Amber warning issued as Devon weather set to reach 27C

With temperatures expected to peak in the early to mid-30s Celsius by Monday, health experts are warning that the heat could impact the wider population and particularly those over 65 or with existing medical conditions.

Among those most at risk are thousands of people attending major outdoor events, including Glastonbury Festival, which has drawn crowds from across the country, including many from Devon.

Dr Elizabeth Smout, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We have already seen a spell of hot weather in the South West and temperatures are once again set to increase in the coming days.

“Our findings show that heat, especially at the sort of temperatures we are likely to see at the beginning of next week, can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.

“It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

“The advice is also relevant for those at Glastonbury Festival (and other events this weekend such as Bristol Sounds):

Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in hot weather as this may dehydrate you. There are over 800 water taps across the site, carry a refillable bottle with you throughout the day.

Seek shade wherever you can, wear (or improvise) a hat, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Loosen your clothing and allow the air to circulate.

Reapply sunscreen and cover up, Factor 30 or above is good, but covering your skin is better.

If attending with a small child, turn their pushchair away from the sun rather than covering it for shade, covering the pushchair will increase the temperature inside.

Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

If you or someone you know feels ill or faints, seek help from stewards, security or the medical services on site.

Temperatures are likely to be high on Monday as people also leave the site. Some additional advice when leaving the site is as follows:

For those in queues for coaches and trains, take off your rucksack as it will insulate you and stop you from losing heat
Loosen your clothing and allow the air to circulate
If in a car, make sure you have plenty of food and water with you in case you're stuck in a queue to leave the car parks.”

For those not heading to festivals, UKHSA advises people across Devon and the South West to:

• Keep homes cool by closing curtains in rooms that face the sun

• Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, typically 11am–3pm

• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, hats and sunglasses

• Use sunscreen and seek shade

• Exercise or walk pets during the cooler early morning or evening

• Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in yourself and others