TEMPERATURES across the south west are expected to reach record levels today and tomorrow as we enter day two of the Met Office’s Amber warning for Devon.

The warning covers all of Devon until midnight tomorrow (Tuesday). Other parts of England will come under the first ever Red Warning of extreme heat today.

A Met Office spokesperson said: ‘After a very warm night (on Sunday), hot weather, already underway across other parts of England and Wales is expected to develop more widely across Wales, southwest and northern England, plus southern Scotland.

‘Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible, both by day and by night, for Monday and Tuesday. This following a warm weekend, will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.

The Met Office is warning of:

l Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required

l Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents

l Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.

Health Security Agency advice

The UK Health Security Agency has issued guidance to prepare for the warm weather.

This includes shading or covering windows exposed to direct sunlight; check windows or vents can be opened; check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly and that medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.

South West Water is reported to have asked customers to cut down their shower time.

It says it wants people in the South West to try and save five litres or water per day to maintain the levels of reservoirs.

Health bosses are advising people how to stay cool and stay alert to signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Devon County Council says the Local Government Association has issued advice to people to take precautions as the country experiences soaring temperatures.

People are being encouraged to enjoy the sun safely and to check on those who may be vulnerable including the elderly and those with heart and respiratory problems.

It is expected temperatures could reach the low 30s in the region this week.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: ‘We know that with a period of warm weather that people will understandably want to be out enjoying the sun, but they should remember to take care, particularly of those who may be more vulnerable to effects of heat.

‘Councils will be working with others to ensure communities can be kept safe.

‘No-one is immune to the power of the sun.

‘Drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember.’