An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been issued across Lancashire from 9am on Tuesday 11 August until 9am on Friday 14 August.

According to the Met Office, following a temporary respite today ( Monday, August 10), temperatures will steadily rise with Lancashire predicted to experience a three-day heatwave from Tuesday to Thursday, during which temperatures could rise to 32C at their highest.

The alert means that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

• Likely increased demand on all health and social care services

• Internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment

• The heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services

• Indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings

• Issues managing medicines

• Staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)

• Increased demand for power exceeding capacity

• Other sectors starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)

• Water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning

Polly Ashmore, Acting Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

 "We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice."

 Ms Ashmore continued: "Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."

 For advice on keeping safe go to: Beat the heat: advice for hot weather - GOV.UK