The Met Office has issued a hot weather alert for Worcestershire this week.

Forecasts indicate temperatures will rise to around 27 degrees and it will remain hot and humid until Sunday.

The Director of Public Health for Worcestershire is urging people to remain safe in the heat by following Public Health England advice:

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

• Fluid requirements are higher than normal in hot weather so drink plenty of fluids

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a hat

• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection and keep it regularly topped up

• Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies, and those with serious health conditions

Frances Howie, Director of Public Health, said: “It is very easy to forget that we need to look after ourselves in the heat. We urge people to check forecasts and take sensible precautions such as keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, and staying hydrated.

“We’d also urge those with elderly or sick friends and neighbours to look out for them as they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather.”

Air ambulance called out to city centre

Keeping your living space cool is also important, especially for the elderly or infants. Public Health England suggests closing windows that are exposed to the sun during the day, and open them at night when the temperature has dropped.

Other advice includes turning off non-essential lights and electrical equipment and consider sleeping in a cooler room.

There is also an increased risk of thunderstorms and heavy showers.

For further information and updates, visit the Met Office website and the Heatwave Plan for England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwave-plan-for-england.