Heat Health Alert for Cornwall is now at amber, confirms Met Office
The Level 3 alert means there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions in parts of the Duchy
Last updated 8th Aug 2022
The Met Office has upgraded its 'Heat Health Alert' for the whole of the South West, including in Cornwall, to amber.
It will be in force from 12pm on Tuesday 9th August, and means there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions in some parts of the Duchy.
The Level 3 alert means 'heatwave action' and states: "There is a 90 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between 1200 on Tuesday 09 Aug and 1800 on Saturday 13 Aug in parts of England.
"High pressure dominating this week, with fine and dry conditions across most of the country, prolonged sunny spells and light to moderate breezes.
"Temperatures rising from warm or very warm to locally hot in most regions, with a focus of the warmest weather in central-southern England. Headline max temperatures reaching mid 30s by Friday.
"The biggest question mark is over the end of the hot spell, with recent models indicating thundery showers arriving from as early as Saturday 13th, but perhaps as late as Tuesday 16th. Confidence on this will likely increase later in the week".
An amber alert is triggered when the Met Office confirms threshold temperatures for one of more regions have been reached for one day and the following night, and the forecast for the next day has a greater than 90% confidence level that the day threshold temperature will be met. This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
Read more: Cornwall's water provider warns of possible restrictions if dry spell continues
The Met Office has the following advice: "Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
"Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
"Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.
"Advice on how to reduce the risk can be obtained from the Heatwave Plan for England page, from your doctor or local chemist, or ring NHS 111".