A heat alert has been upgraded as Essex braces for soaring temperatures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for Essex, warning of "significant impacts" on health and social care services.
The alert is in effect from 9am on Monday, August 3, until 9am on Wednesday, August 5.
The UKHSA had previously issued a yellow alert from August 2, until August 5.
The rising temperatures pose particular risks for vulnerable groups, including people aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The alert also warns of "increased demand on all health and social care services" and the risk of indoor environments, such as care homes and hospitals, overheating above safe thresholds.
The warning extends to the broader impact on services, noting that staff may struggle to work safely in the heat and that power demand could exceed capacity.
Other sectors are also expected to be affected.
Potential issues identified include disruptions to transport, increased travel delays, and water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning.
Met Office forecasts predict temperatures could reach as high as 30C on both Monday, August 3, and Tuesday, August 4.
The Met Office forecasts for this period reads: "The new week will start dry with hot spells of sunshine developing through the morning and early afternoon.
"Cooler near the east coast though with an onshore breeze.
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"Later cloud will increase, with the chance of an early evening shower.
"Maximum temperature 30C.
"Tuesday morning looks generally fine with some quite hot spells of sunshine developing.
"However, as cloud increases heading into the afternoon one or two showers are possible.
"Maximum temperature 30C."
Temperatures are expected to drop from Wednesday, August 5, with highs of 26C and further cooling expected later in the week.
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