A heat health alert which covers Kent has been upgraded from yellow to amber as an ongoing heatwave continues to raise temperatures across the nation. Blanketing the entire south east region, the yellow alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first came into effect yesterday morning.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that a "rise in deaths" is likely, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions, with the heatwave set to continue into the seco

Experts say more thought must be given to adapting homes and cities to mitigate against rising temperatures and minimise excess deaths.

An amber alert means there is likely to be a significant impact on health and social care services due to high temperatures, including a potential rise in deaths among those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions. It also mean the heat could affect the delivery of health services and lead to an increase in the demand for power.

Amber heat health alerts have been issued for much of England as the third heatwave of the summer kicks in. The official alerts have been upgraded for southern England, the Midlands and East of England.

England is sweltering through its third heatwave of the summer, with a yellow heat health alert now extended across all regions. Temperatures are set to reach 31C in some areas on Thursday, climbing further by Saturday to bring blistering conditions to the Wimbledon finals weekend in SW19.

A third heatwave of the summer is currently gripping the UK with temperatures set to soar in parts of Lancashire this weekend. The latest Met Office forecast shows mercury levels will climb from highs of 28C on Friday (July 11) to 30C on Saturday.

Temperatures are forecast to increase across the UK over the next few days - reaching above the official heatwave threshold in some places for the third time this year. Highs of 34C are likely on Friday and possibly Saturday,