Heatwave in Cambridgeshire: What's the advice?

An extreme heat warning is continuing to be in place across Cambridgeshire.

Temperatures have soared to the mid-30C (86F) throughout this week and will continue into this weekend.

Significant impacts on people's health and infrastructure are anticipated during the heatwave.

So, what do you need to know?

More than 60 schools have informed Cambridgeshire County Council they will be closed on Friday or offering early pick-up for pupils.

Peterborough City Council said some of its schools had also shut or were offering early pick-ups.

The Department for Education says there is no maximum temperature limit for schools, although proposals are being considered.

Pupils are being advised to:

• Bring extra water bottles
• Wear hats and suncream
• Attend in PE kits if more comfortable

Some schools have cancelled outdoor sports and activities during the heat.

A spokesperson for the county council said: "The Department for Education provides guidance to schools regarding emergency planning and extreme weather.

"We've sent guidance to all schools outlining steps to take, including a heat checklist to help them take appropriate actions."

Rail operators have warned of potential disruption due to the extreme heat and have advised passengers to travel only if necessary.

Greater Anglia said its services would continue to run but warned that delays would be expected.

Overhead cables often sag towards the tracks in the heat.

Melony Pickett, from Age UK Cambridgeshire, urged people to drink fluids "little and often" - and to keep an eye on those most vulnerable.

"[And] avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, as they can be very dehydrating," she told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains. When it's very hot, keep windows closed to prevent warm air from entering.

"Think about what you wear - avoid dark clothing as it absorbs heat, and remove extra layers.

"We often see older people still wearing layers without realising they are overheating.

"If someone appears overheated, use a damp cloth on pulse points such as the face and neck."

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals, said its sites were "extremely busy".

A spokesperson said: "Alongside the additional pressures that hot weather brings, we continue to care for patients involved in the Bedfordshire train incident.

"Our teams are working around the clock, and additional measures are in place to ensure we continue providing safe, high-quality care for patients."

They continued: "For safety and infection prevention reasons, we ask that personal fans are not brought into the hospital.

"If a patient may benefit from the use of fans or air conditioning, please speak to the ward team."

More advice can be found on the NHS website.

The NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Children and Young People's Services urged parents to keep babies in the shade, dress them in light clothing and to never cover prams with blankets.

Jo Bennis, chief nurse at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are working hard to keep patients and staff hydrated and as comfortable as possible in the current extreme temperatures."

Bennis said the trust was keeping window blinds down, using fans and delivering ice lollies for patients.

"We have adjusted our uniform policy so that nurses can remove their tights and belts to make them more comfortable on long shifts," Bennis added.

Nene Park Trust, which manages outdoor spaces such as Ferry Meadows and Thorpe Meadows, suggested that visitors make extra use of their shaded woodland areas.

"Avoid entering lakes and rivers, protect your dogs from the heat, and use designated or raised barbecue facilities," it said.

"Disposable barbecues are not permitted anywhere in the park."

Meanwhile, Anglian Water has urged people to "think carefully" about using water.

Dr Geoff Darch, its head of strategic asset planning, said: "Using less now will help ensure enough for everyone in the community."

Residents are asked to avoid using hosepipes, to reuse paddling pool water, and delay washing cars or patios.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has also warned against swimming in open water, following the death of Jack Lloyd, who drowned in Crown Lakes in Farcet last year.

His family, alongside the fire service, have shared Jack's story in a short film to highlight the risks of swimming in open water.

James Ball from the service said: "In the past five years, we've seen a doubling in fatalities across the country.

"We continue to warn people not to enter open water and are working to reach young people with this message.

"If sharing this story saves even one life, it will be worthwhile."

Cambridge City Council said it has initiated its Red Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

The council said on social media that SWEP ensures "that additional support is bring made available to individuals experiencing homelessness".

Jimmy's in Cambridge supports people who have been sleeping rough in the city.

"Before the red emergency protocol was released we were prepping by getting lots of fans in for our bedrooms... stockpiling lollies and bottles of water," said Hetty Mentzel, its East Road team leader.

"We will be making sure in points of extreme heat people can be in shelter."

Staff at Peterborough Cathedral have been inviting visitors into the building during the heatwave.

A post on the cathedral's Facebook page said the 900-year-old building remained cooler due to its "thick stone walls, soaring ceilings and clever architecture".

A spokesperson for the site said: "We have certainly noticed an increase in people coming through our doors over the last couple of days."

They said it was expecting to attract more visitors while temperatures remained high.

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