Cornwall has been placed on a 'Level 3 - Heatwave' warning by the Met Office for today and tomorrow.
A level 3 heatwave in the South West means there will be a maximum daytime temperature of 30 degrees, and minimum night-time temperature of 15 degrees. There is only one level above Level 3 which is categorised as 'Emergency'.
Temperatures in the Duchy are predicted to reach 28 degrees today and tomorrow, with night-time temperatures only dropping to 17 degrees.
Sunshine is forecast to remain in Cornwall for at least the next five days.
Yesterday the Exeter-based weather agency confirmed that we were in the throes of the longest hot spell since 2006 as temperatures have been over 28 degrees somewhere in the UK for the last eleven days.See a video of one of the hottest places to work in Cornwall during the heatwave - Bodmin and Wenford Railway - where workers say the engine fans are working in temperatures of up to 35 degrees:
The Met Office have issued the following advise during a Level 3 Heatwave warning:During a heatwave• Try to keep your house cool, closing blinds or curtains can help.• At night, keep your sleeping area well ventilated. Night cooling is important as it allows the body to recuperate.• Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths and/or sprinkle yourself several times a day with cold water.• Avoid too much exercise, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and can even be fatal. Watch for signs of heat stress - an early sign is fatigue.• Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body.• Try to eat as you normally would. Not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems.• If driving, keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Take plenty of water with you and have regular rest breaks.• If you have vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk during a heatwave, try to visit them daily.• If you do go out, try and avoid the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches.Before going out in the sun• Check you have appropriate sun cream for your particular type of skin.During sunny weather• The UV index (the strength of the sun) can be high at many times of the year - it doesn't have to be hot. The UV index can be strong through cloud even when the sun isn't directly shining.• If you go out, wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, high factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.• Avoid being in the sun for long stretches.• Reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals during the day.
Do not leave children or animals in parked cars. Even on cool days, strong sunshine can make car interiors very hot.
