Southend council 'stay safe' plea as heatwave begins

Southend Council is asking residents and visitors to take sensible steps to look after their health and their neighbours, and avoid putting extra pressure on emergency services, as the temperature builds this week.

The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning from Thursday to Sunday.

For the Southend area, the highest temperatures are most likely on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to reach close to, if not exceed, 30C across parts of the region.

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Kay Mitchell, councillor responsible for adult social care and health integration, said: "Thankfully, temperatures are not expected to be as high as the record-breaking values of last month.

"However, later this week and over the weekend, most places will see temperatures reach 30 degrees.

"The hot weather always creates additional pressures in our health systems as those with existing health conditions are more vulnerable to extreme heat, as well as young children and the elderly.

"Please stay rehydrated, avoid alcohol, avoid the midday sun, wear sunscreen and check in on your more vulnerable friends and neighbours."

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Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, added: "As well as health, we need residents and visitors to act responsibly too.

"The seafront is always busier when it’s hot as people seek to cool down beside the water.

"That means more people, more traffic, a higher risk of water-related accidents and the mix of hot weather and alcohol, which can sometimes end badly.

"Just please look after yourselves, so our emergency services don’t have to.

"Remember we have seven miles of beautiful sandy seafront for visitors who do want to come to the seaside and cool down, just remember to check tide times."