00:00The heat has arrived and it's not leaving quickly.
00:05The Amber Health Alert now in force across the West Midlands puts Birmingham right in the high-risk zone.
00:11These alerts are issued when conditions are expected to cause more illness and create extra pressure on health and social care.
00:19Temperatures are set to climb into the low to mid-30s and doctors are warning of a likely rise in heat-related cases.
00:27Older people, those with heart or breathing problems and anyone taking multiple medications are most at risk.
00:35Health officials say the safest approach is to avoid direct sun through the middle of the day.
00:41Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains and windows when it's hotter outside and open them at night if the air is cooler.
00:48Staying hydrated is key and that means water not alcohol or energy drinks which can make dehydration worse.
00:55The early signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, muscle cramps and confusion and they need to be acted on quickly.
01:03It's not just about personal precautions. Hospitals, care homes and community services are already feeling the strain.
01:10Hotter conditions can cause buildings to overheat, affect how medicines work and make transport less reliable.
01:17For outdoor workers from delivery drivers to construction crews, shaded rest areas and flexible shifts can make the difference between coping and collapsing.
01:27The heat wave will ease lighter in the week but the risks are here now.
01:31Staying safe means planning ahead, checking on those most vulnerable and treating extreme heat as the public safety issue it is.
01:39Not just a summer inconvenience.
01:41Not just a summer inconvenience.
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