A HEAT health alert issued for the South West has ben raised from yellow to amber as the UK’s third heatwave grips the country.

The yellow alert came into force from Wednesday, July 9 at 10am and was due to last until July 15.

However, the UK Health Security Agency has since issued an amber warning, which comes into force from 12pm today, Friday, July 11.

It lasts until 9am on July 14.

Elsewhere, amber alerts have been issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East and and London, with yellow alerts issued for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber.

The UK Health Security Agency says significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions.