TEMPERATURES are expected to soar tomorrow, with the council and ambulance service both issuing advice ahead of the heatwave.

The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health alert this morning which means that there is a high chance that temperatures will hit certain thresholds for two days and overnight.

The mercury is set to rise to highs of 32°C in Hereford in the afternoon after reaching 28°C today.

And with the warm weather set to continue throughout the week, Herefordshire Council has issued the following tips:

  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a hat and light scarf. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
  • drink lots of cool drinks and when travelling ensure you take water with you
  • look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially older people, infants, young children or animals

In a statement, the local authority said: "Remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too.

"Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that face the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

"Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

"While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

"Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.

"The older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible."

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is also urging people to enjoy the warm weather safely as temperatures begin to rise.

One of the concerns for WMAS is the number of calls to serious breathing problems resulting from the increasing warm conditions.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The hot weather can make breathing difficult for healthy individuals, so for those with pre-existing breathing problems it can obviously be a difficult time.

“Those who suffer with emphysema, asthma and long term breathing problems should take extra care over the next few days, remaining indoors as much as possible.

“If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please take a few minutes to check that they are ok and have everything they need in order to look after themselves.

“If everyone looks after each other as well as themselves, hopefully this will reduce the number of people who need to dial 999 for our help.”

Visit herefordshire.gov.uk/heatwave for further advice on keeping cool