The Met Office has issued a heatwave alert for the south west, including the Burnham-On-Sea area, triggered by forecasts of up to 30C.
Forecasters say there is a 60 per cent chance of the heatwave in our region, with the highest temperatures of over 30C expected today (Saturday) and tomorrow.
Officials are warning of ‘significant’ health effects for specific vulnerable groups, with Public Health England advising them to stay out of the sun and drink cool fluids.
The warning is designed to protect people, such as young children, the very old and those who are unwell, from the effects of hot weather.
Monday’s maximum temperature in Burnham was 29.4C (84.9F) which is currently the hottest day of the year in the town. The record in recent years was 30.8C set in July 2009.
Burnham-On-Sea residents have this week been urged to keep an eye out for elderly or frail people who may be struggling to cope in the heatwave.
Somerset County Council is asking neighbours, friends and relatives to keep an eye out for anyone who may need help maintaining their health as the temperatures soar.
Somerset County Council’s health and well-being cabinet member Christine Lawrence, said: “Intense heat can be as perilous to health as the cold, with the effects of dehydration or heatstroke being severe and the symptoms often coming on very quickly.”
“Making sure someone is keeping their home cool, drinking plenty of water and not having to do any strenuous activity in the heat will go a long way to keeping them healthy.”
