Region braced for heat after alerts issued
Getty ImagesA public health expert says people "need to be vigilant" after a red heat-health alert was issued for Lincolnshire.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the alert, which covers six England regions, will be in place from 01:00 on Wednesday until 23:00 BST on Thursday.
A lower level amber alert will apply across Yorkshire and the Humber, with Hull City Council urging people to "stay safe" in the heat.
Andy Fox, deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "In weather like this, as lovely as it is, do take sensible precautions."
The agency said it was only the second time it had issued a red alert, after it was previously put in place in July 2022, and said it indicated a risk to everyone's health.
The latest alert covers the East and West Midlands, South East, South West, London and the East of England and the agency said the heat could impact transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses, as well as general health and social care.
Fox said the alert being put in place for Lincolnshire was "pretty unusual" and could be "hot enough to put people at risk of heatstroke and exhaustion".
"This is something that we just need to be vigilant about," he said.
"Do plan ahead, it does help to know when it's going to be at its hottest.
"Look out for each other and make sure we keep as cool as we can."
Fox advised planning physical activity, such as dogs walks, in the mornings and evenings rather than in the middle of the day, seeking shade, wearing a hat, applying suncream and drinking plenty of water.
He also urged people to keep an eye on those who are most vulnerable, not to leave pets or children in cars, and asked schools to consider if they could relax uniform rules and move sports days if necessary.
He added: "It's very important to be careful around water.
"We've heard some terrible stories in the UK in the last year of people who have sadly lost their lives."
The Met Office has also issued warnings for the county, including an extreme heat amber warning for Lincoln across Wednesday and Thursday.
The forecaster predicts highs of about 32C on Thursday.
Alison Patey, director of public health at Hull City Council, also warned people to stay safe in the heat.
"High temperatures can be dangerous to anyone, but particularly for vulnerable people, including babies, children, the elderly and people with an existing medical conditions," she said.
"It's important this week to look out for yourself and others who are more at risk. The key advice for safety in the heat applies to everyone – wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, cover up and avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.
"Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, are serious for anyone and potentially critical for someone who is more vulnerable."
Earlier, the BBC asked people in Lincoln how they were coping with the heat.
Linda D'arcy, 79, who was with her dog Rosie in Lincoln's Boultham Park this morning, said they were both "keeping in the cool" and having plenty of drinks.
Sharon Ellison, who works at Jalousie Boutique in Bailgate, said: "I'm doing okay as long as I keep drinking lots of water and keep the fans on."
Meanwhile Gem Meggitt, 43, owner of Roly's Fudge Pantry on Steep Hill, said: "We're over the hot stove and that makes a difference to us but it's almost cooler inside than it is outside."
City of Lincoln Council reminded people not to swim in lakes, ponds and rivers.
And Sleaford Tennis Club emailed members to state that its courts were closed until Saturday due to the heat.
Sue Cousland, Strategic Commander for East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We have prepared for the higher demand likely to be experienced by our service this week.
"Staff will continue to work extremely hard across the NHS to ensure every patient is cared for appropriately."
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