HEREFORDSHIRE Council has taken the unusual step of issuing a heatwave alert.

County residents are being advised that the Met Office has forecast potential heatwave conditions until the end of the week and has declared a Level 2 Heat-health alert.

This means there is a high chance that temperatures over the next few days could pose significant health risks.

High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with chronic or long-term medical conditions.

Professor Rod Thompson, director of public health Hereford said, "The hot weather looks set to continue and it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous. Public Health England has issued some simple advice to help people to keep safe and be aware of the risks and there is accompanying advice on NHS Choices.

"We encourage people to take note of this advice and to please take a few minutes to check on your family and neighbours to ensure they have everything they need during this hot spell."

Advice for keeping safe in the heat includes trying to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm; applying sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection; wearing UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes; wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf; drinking lots of cool drinks and looking out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses.

No one should be left in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Dr Andy Watts, chair of Herefordshire clinical commissioning group, added: "During very hot weather, pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, may experience discomfort if indoor temperatures are particularly hot.

"You should check the packaging on medicines as some may need to be kept below 25 C or in the refrigerator.

"The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health messages on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk."