THE Met Office have issued their strongest health warning yet as the heatwave continues.

The level three 'heatwave action' warning means there is 90% probability of heatwave conditions until 9pm on Tuesday in the South West.

It is the first time the heat health alert has reached level three this year.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 29.1C.

People over the age of 65, young children and those with heart and lung conditions are most at risk during high temperatures.

Mike Wade, Deputy Director of Health Protection for PHE South West said: "It’s vitally important that we keep an eye on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk.

"For others, the best thing to do is avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, carry water with you when travelling and if going out to large events, and we know lots of people will be watching football this week, think what you can do stay cool.

"It’s also worth remembering to think about keeping homes cool as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat of the day."

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives:

• look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions

• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors

• drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated

• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

• take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down

• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat

• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day

• wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes