Heatwave: amber weather warning for three days for BCP

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is set to experience intense heat for three days starting this weekend as a weather expert has warned we could see temperatures in the high 30s.

The Met Office has extended the amber weather warning for extreme heat and "exceptionally high temperatures" to Tuesday, July 19.

The weather alert will now run from midnight on Sunday, July 17 until 11.59pm to Tuesday evening.

The Met Office said: "A hot spell is likely to develop from Sunday, likely peaking early next week, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure".

Bournemouth and Poole Weather said: "If the current forecast does not change I would expect that Amber warning to become an extremely rare red warning, however, that likely wouldn't be issued until Saturday at the earliest."

The heatwave is a result of hot air flowing to the UK from the continent.

The Met Office have warned of a risk to human health and changes to day to day life and working conditions.

Network Rail is preparing to introduce speed restrictions to reduce the likelihood of tracks buckling as the heatwave continues, which will cause delays to passenger journeys and disrupt freight services.

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office said: 

Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.

Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents.

Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.