High heat stays in South West and Channel Islands

Predicted high temperatures across the South West and the Channel Islands are continuing to affect people, businesses schools and travel.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for "extreme heat" across Devon and Cornwall until 23:59 BST on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach above 30C (86F).

Schools and nurseries across the counties and islands have been affected, with some closing or limiting their hours.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has asked people to only travel if necessary and to expect disruption and cancellations to services; while Guernsey Airport warned temperatures had affected security screening equipment, which could cause occasional delays.

According to Devon County Council's website, more than 30 schools have been closed or reduced their opening hours, and more than 10 in Cornwall have been affected.

Earlier this week, several Channel Islands schools and nurseries closed early or changed their rules on uniform for the rest of the week.

Chaam Klinger, from the UK Health Security Agency South West, advised checking on elderly or vulnerable people and gave advice on keeping homes cool.

"Close the curtains if your windows are facing the sun and keep your windows open at night," she said.

"Try to avoid the direct sunlight at the hottest parts of the day, which tend to be about 11:00 until about 16:00.

"Do enjoy the sun. We are not saying don't enjoy the sun, but do be careful.

"Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing, make sure you've got wide-brimmed hats and you've got sunscreen on, and reapply it.

"Probably the most important: drink lots. Drink lots of water so you don't fall into the trap of getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke."

GWR warned train services running across its whole network may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

"Extreme heat can cause rails to expand and buckle, so, when temperatures reach certain thresholds, trains must run more slowly to keep services safe," it said.

"This will mean fewer trains and slightly longer journey times during the warmest periods of each day.

"Prolonged high temperatures can also affect equipment on our older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.

"This means there may be some short-notice changes or cancellations, particularly during the hottest parts of the day."

James Marshall a thatcher from Cornwall, said he had been starting work before 06:00 to avoid the heat.

He said: "I'm going to persevere for as long as I can, until I feel like a wrung-out cloth, and then it will be time to go.

"I'm always snowed under; work's coming out of my ears, so I just try and keep things moving.

Marshall said he was trying to keep protected from the sun and looked like a "cross between something from Paris Fashion Week and Worzel Gummidge - half scarecrow, half fashionista".

"It's been hard going. There is no getting away from it, it's been super tough," he said.

Guernsey Airport said equipment had been affected by the weather and staff were advising people to wear light clothing and keep hydrated while travelling.

"Due to the current high temperatures, some security screening equipment at Guernsey Airport has been affected, and passengers may experience warmer conditions within parts of the terminal," it said.

"As a result, temporary measures are in place to maintain safe and secure operations, and hold baggage is being redirected through the central search area.

"This ensures the continued safe and secure processing of baggage. However, it may result in occasional delays."

Jersey Post said it was delivering post earlier in the day to avoid staff being exposed to high temperatures.

"With the hot temperatures forecast this week, our posties will be starting their deliveries earlier than usual to make the most of the cooler hours of the day," it said.

"This temporary change will help keep our teams safe whilst they're out delivering post."

Gill Rylance, of Falmouth Coastguard, warned people to avoid jumping into the sea to cool down.

She said: "I know it sounds a bit silly, but, with the temperatures so high, there is a big difference between the air temperature and the sea temperature.

"It's 10-plus degrees lower than the air temperature, and sudden immersion could still potentially bring on cold water shock. Just keep that in mind.

"I know its tempting to just run in and throw yourself in the water, but there is still that potential."

Dartmoor National Park Authority warned the risk of fire on the moor was very high due to the hot and dry weather.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service group commander Simon Carey also warned people to be careful on the moor.

He said: "It is a real problem. We have had prolonged hot weather. It is like a tinderbox so we have to be very careful.

"I would urge anyone going on the moor to be extremely careful with what they are doing, particularly with anything hot."

A church in Devon has opened its door as a cool space for people to escape the heat.

Reverand Carys Baker, curate at Ottery St Mary Church, said it was always cooler in the church than outside.

She said: "Everyone is quite familiar with warm spaces and we can't offer that, but what we can offer is a cool space.

"In weather like this, it's absolutely ideal and we want to share that with the community."

Steph Black, who runs sign language classes for children and families in Guernsey, said she has had to cancel groups and refund people.

She said: "I tried to go ahead yesterday, but the room that I use, I just couldn't keep it cool enough.

"It is lovely but doesn't have aircon, like a lot of buildings in Guernsey, because we are just not used to this heat.

"I've cancelled classes and obviously that has an impact on me as a small business and makes me feel unreliable."