A weather alert has been issued across Swindon and Wiltshire amid predictions of a scorching heatwave.

Temperatures in Swindon and Wiltshire are expected to reach close to 30 degrees during the afternoon of Friday, July 19, according to the Met Office.

As a result, a yellow heat health alert is in place across the South West from 5pm on Thursday, July 18, until 11pm on Saturday, July 20.

This warning has been issued because vulnerable people may be at risk in the high temperatures.

Swindon Borough Council has issued tips for staying safe in the heat, which can be found below.

  • Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, or if you're at higher risk yourself, ask them to do the same for you.
  • Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
  • If you're doing physical activity, try to do this during times of the day when it's cooler.
  • Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
  • Cover up with suitable clothing, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake.
  • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do. You can find these on the NHS website.