First ever extreme heat warning issued for Axminster

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat covering Axminster.

They say we should expect:

- Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat

- The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses

- More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents

- Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required

- An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses

- Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays

The warning lasts from 4.05pm this afternoon until Friday morning.

Temperatures are forecast to reach highs of 30 degrees celsius at 5pm this afternoon before dropping to 28 on Tuesday, 27 on Wednesday and 26 on Thursday.

This is the first time the Met Office has ever issued an extreme heat warning.

It applies to all of South Wales and the South West and the West Midlands of England.