A very rare red extreme heat warning has come into force for inland parts of the South, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 36 Celsius in some areas.
The Met Office says the warning begins at 9 am today and will remain in place until Friday evening. Other parts of the region are covered by an amber warning, with people being urged to take extra care during the intense heat.
Inland areas including Billingshurst, Burgess Hill and Crawley are expected to see the highest temperatures, potentially reaching 36 Celsius today. Coastal areas will be slightly cooler, with places nearer the sea expected to average around 27 Celsius.
Animal charities are also reminding dog owners to take care during the heatwave. Walks should be kept to the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and pets should never be left in cars.
Hot pavements can burn dogs’ paws very quickly, particularly when temperatures rise into the 30s. Owners are being encouraged to test surfaces before walking their pets and to avoid long walks during the hottest hours.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs can include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting or collapse. Anyone concerned about their pet should contact a vet for advice.
The warning is expected to remain in force until Friday evening, with conditions staying difficult for inland areas before temperatures begin to ease.
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