AN AMBER heat alert has been issued for the south west as temperatures continue to soar this week.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated heat-health alerts (HHA) for all regions of England, warning rising temperatures through the week “may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups”.

An amber alert will be in place for the region – as well as Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, London, and North West – from 9am tomorrow morning (August 11) to 9pm on Friday (August 14), with the North East under a yellow alert during the same period.

Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UKHSA, said: “It’s important that everyone is aware of the simple steps they can take to stay safe during periods of hot weather.

“Drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool are all things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

“For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes.

“We urge health and social care services to ensure they are prepared and encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather.”

The warning comes as the Met Office predicted temperatures of around 33C by Wednesday this week, following 29C on Tuesday, 33C on Thursday and 27C on Friday, before forecasters said it could drop to around 23C on Saturday (August 15).

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Temperatures are set to soar across the south west this week. Picture: Met Office