Heat health alert extended with Wales set to bake at 38C

Temperatures could peak to about 38C (100F) this week, according to the Met Office, which has extended a weather warning across Wales.

Amber heat health alerts have been extended from two to four days and the affected areas have been widened to cover most of Wales.

The first Met Office warning covers areas of south and mid Wales on Monday and Tuesday and a second alert covers the rest of the country apart from Pembrokeshire on Wednesday and Thursday.

The weather is expected to exceed 30C (86F) widely, the forecaster warned, and may stay above 20C (68F) overnight.

People have been advised to avoid the midday sun, limit exercise, stay hydrated and protected from the heat, while the RSPCA has warned pet owners to take extra care.

The Met Office said the hot weather could lead to widespread impact on people as well as infrastructure.

Sunday is expected to become increasingly hot and humid, before the amber weather warning comes into force overnight.

Temperatures are likely to reach the low to mid 30s in places on Monday and more widely on Tuesday. Areas included in the first warning are:

Temperatures are then expected to get "very hot" on Wednesday and Thursday with the heat health alert extended across Wales apart from Pembrokeshire.

However, there could be "significant variations from place to place and day by day", the forecaster said.

Temperatures by day are widely expected to exceed 30C and potentially peaking to about 38C, it added, along with high humidity.

"Overnight, temperatures are unlikely to fall much lower than high teens Celsius, and some places will not fall below 20 or 21C," it said

"Cooler conditions may begin to become established from the west following this period, but confidence is low."

What's the pavement test?

RSPCA Cymru has warned pet owners to take steps to keep them safe during the hot weather, and also help wildlife by providing a shallow bowl of water outside.

The charity warned against leaving dogs in cars and suggested performing a "pavement test" by feeling the temperature of the ground to ensure it wasn't too hot for dog walks.

"If you can't hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it will burn your dog's paws," it warned.

Advice also included no exercise or limiting dog walks and timing them when temperatures were at their lowest.

It said heatstroke was a "silent killer" and signs included heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, or uncoordinated movement.

Other advice included moving rabbit and guinea pig pens to shaded areas and ensure indoor enclosures for pets like hamsters were not in direct sunlight.