Amber Heat Health Alert Issued Across Sussex

An amber heat health alert has been issued across the South East as temperatures are expected to climb sharply over the coming days.

The UK Health Security Agency says significant impacts are possible across health and social care, including an increase in deaths.

The alert covers Sussex, Kent and Surrey and is due to remain in place until Friday evening.

Temperatures could reach 37C on Thursday as the latest hot spell peaks.

South East Coast Ambulance Service says it remains under pressure because of the high temperatures, following an already exceptionally busy summer.

Its 999 teams dealt with more than 210,000 calls during June and July — around 20,000 more than during the same period last year.

The highest temperatures recorded during those two months were 38C in June and 35.5C in July.

Public health officials are urging people to take precautions, particularly when temperatures are at their highest.

Professor Anjan Ghosh, director of public health at Kent County Council, says people should be prepared, stay cool and keep hydrated.

Surrey County Council says particular care should be taken around older people, those living alone, young children and babies, and people with serious illnesses.

The UKHSA also recommends avoiding the strongest sunshine where possible, keeping homes cool and checking on friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.

The latest hot weather comes as Kent and East Sussex have become the latest parts of the UK to officially move into drought.