An amber heat-health alert has been issued as the weather hots up in York and North Yorkshire.
The amber alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency is in force from midday today (Thursday) until 9am on Monday.
It warns “significant impacts are likely” across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions.
Temperatures are set to reach 27°C today, with the mercury predicted to rise to 30°C tomorrow and as high as 33°C on Saturday.
An official heatwave is recorded when Yorkshire reaches 25°C for three consecutive days.
Temperatures are set to drop back to 23°C on Sunday then 19°C on Monday. The BBC is forecasting possible thunderstorms on Saturday evening.
A number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather.
St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and to learn how to respond.
It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between “life-threatening” heat stroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient.
The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart.
Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat.