PEOPLE are being warned to take extra precautions after the Met Office confirmed heatwave conditions had arrived in mid Essex.

The warning means temperatures are high enough to have a significant effect on health.

It is currently 29C in Braintree as of Tuesday afternoon.

Heatwave alerts have been issued for the East of England, South East England and several other parts of the country.

The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has issued advice on how to stay cool.

- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

- Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection and wear a hat. Wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothes should also minimise the risk of sunburn.

- Avoid physical exertion.

- Drink plenty of cold drinks and when travelling ensure you take water with you.

- If you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25C or in the refrigerator

- Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as older people, babies and young children, plus people with serious illnesses.

- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, older people, young children or animals.

- Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool by closing the curtains on windows that face the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when it’s safe to do so.

- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items, as these generate heat.

Rachel Hearn, Acting Director of Nursing for Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Very hot weather can be dangerous, especially for people who may have long-term heart, lung or kidney illnesses, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, as well as pregnant women.

“The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health messages on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk. If you are working or exercising outdoors, try to keep strenuous physical exertion during the hottest part of the day to a minimum.

“Hot weather is enjoyable for most people and uncomfortable for some, but sadly experience tells us that exposure to excessive heat can kill, with most cases of illness and death caused by worsening of heart and lung conditions.”