Felixstowe residents are among those being urged to prepare for extreme temperatures next week following the first ever heat related red weather warning being issued for the county. 

The weather warning is in place for Suffolk for today, Monday July 18, and Tuesday July 19, with the Met Office warning of a widespread impact on people and infrastructure as temperatures reach almost 40 degrees in the county. 

In recognition of the adverse impact that the heat could have on the health of people, including those who are usually fit and well, Suffolk Resilience Forum is urging everyone to say safe in the high temperatures by: 

• Drinking plenty of fluids and always carrying water when out and about
• Staying out of the sun, where possible, for the whole of Monday and Tuesday, but especially between 11am and 3pm
• Applying sunscreen and wearing a hat if going out in the heat
• Avoiding physical activity during the hottest parts of the day
• Checking in on the vulnerable, including the elderly and those who live alone

Travel disruption may also be likely, with people expected to flock to the rivers during the good weather and the potential for speed restrictions on the county's rail networks. Any unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday and Tuesday and anyone who must make a journey should check for delays before leaving home.

Suffolk Highways is braced for the anticipated high temperatures and has already begun pre-emptive dusting at sites that have recently been surface dressed to reduce the risk of the material breaking away from the surface below as it's driven over in particularly hot conditions. Drivers are asked to take extra care when using the roads and should report any problems on 0345 606 6171.

Field fires likely (Picture credit: Nub News)

There has already been an increase in fires in the open during the past few days, and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to avoid barbecues and campfires on dry grass or near hedges, put out cigarettes properly before disposing of them, and call 999 immediately at the first sign of a fire.

Caution should also be taken by those looking to cool off with a swim, with around 85% of drownings take place in open water because of shock from cold water temperatures, strong currents and uneven banks and riverbeds. 

Stephen Baker, Chair of Suffolk Resilience Forum, said: "The first ever red weather warning for extreme heat in Suffolk demonstrates how serious these high temperatures could be and, as such, people should take the necessary precautions over the coming days. 

"Although the Suffolk Resilience Forum will continue to do all it can to help protect our county, we need everyone to follow the safety guidance in place to help avoid our emergency services being put under more pressure from heat related injuries, fires in the open, or water rescues. 

"We know that there will be increased demand on our health colleagues during the heatwave so please contact 111 online in the first instance if feeling unwell and remember that 999 should be used for life threating emergencies only." 

Hadleigh residents can keep updated on the weather warning and subsequent disruptions by: 

• Monitoring the weather forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk
• Visiting schoolclosures.suffolk.gov.uk/ for up-to-date information on school closures – the decision to close a school during extreme weather is taken by the headteacher, with schools also making their own provisions for keeping children safe
• Following @SuffolkLibrary on Twitter and Suffolk Libraries UK on Facebook for updates on any potential closures to libraries