Temperatures soar across the North East, as the UK sees its third heatwave of the year
See how the heat affects transport, health, and the local economy in the North East.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued across parts of England, as hosepipe bans come into force in various locations amid the third heatwave of the summer.
The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA's) latest heat health warning comes as hot and dry weather scorches England, with temperatures set to rise further over the weekend.
Temperatures are expected to rise as high as 24°C in Newcastle, and 25°C in Middlesbrough.
They could reach 32°C in parts of central and southern England, with the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber covered by a yellow heat health alert since midday on Friday (11/07).
Households in Yorkshire were the first to be hit with a hosepipe ban after months of little to no rain, with restrictions following in Kent and Sussex.
So, how is the heat affecting us across the North East?
Transport
David Punton from Nexus- the company that runs the Tyne & Wear Metro- has this advice to anyone travelling around Newcastle and Sunderland in the heat: "Please ensure when you are travelling, that you stay cool.
"It's very essential to stay hydrated and to always have something to eat and drink before setting out.
"If you do feel unwell due to the heat, then it's best to alight from the metro train.
"Find some shade and then alert us; either by speaking to a member of staff or going to a station help point."
The heat can cause disruption across the network, but David tells us they're prepared for all scenarios: "The heat can be challenging for the Metro, so we're monitoring the tracks and overhead lines for any issues.
"Sometimes the overhead wires can sag in the heat and that does cause service disruption.
"But we're keeping an eye on it and we have teams on stand-by to repair any parts of the network which might be affected."
But, with lots of residents and visitors looking to spend the heatwave on the North East's beautiful coastlines and beaches, many will be using the Metro to reach their summer destination.
The stops that'll see the most users are: Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth (for Long Sands Beach), Seaburn, South Shields (for Ocean Beach Pleasure Park), West Jesmond (for Town Moor), and Palmersville (for Rising Sun Country Park).
"We do expect to see an increase in users this weekend, the hot weather gets everyone out and about on the Metro.
"With many visiting family or friends, or visiting one of our award-winning beaches, we do expect the trains to be a lot busier.
"Make sure to leave extra time before you set off for your journey."
Local Economy
How is the heat affecting our local economy across the North East?
Well, Emily Bentley runs coffee shops in Middlesbrough and Stockton, she says, "The hot weather's certainly brought some more business into the shops in terms of takeaways.
"Everybody loves a coffee in the sunshine, or sitting outside and enjoying a picnic- so people have been coming in to buy bits and bobs which is fantastic.
"Hopefully this summer weather will continue and we'll get to welcome a lot more people into the shops to get their iced lattes and treats to enjoy on the seating outside."
Activity centres and outdoor hotspots are expected to receive a buzz in visitors, such as Ocean Beach Pleasure Park or Holy Island and the Farne Islands in Northumberland.
"From a business perspective, it's always great to have more people coming in throughout the summer period.
"There are quieter times of year- in January especially- so the summer's definitely a time where people come out of hibernation and enjoy something nice."
Health
The weather health alerts warn of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions, because of the heat.
Sonya Roe- Head of Charity Services at Age UK in North Tyneside- says, "If you have older neighbours or relatives who may live alone and may be frail or suffer from health concerns; visit them, phone them, check in on them, make sure they are OK.
"Especially if they are at higher risk of becoming unwell in extreme temperatures- the sort of temperatures we're seeing at the moment.
"If you are at higher risk, ask your family and neighbours to do the same for you.
"Older people can become out of breath or dehydrated, at risk of delirium, as a result of these temperatures.
"So we all really must do what we can to try and support them."
Sonya gives us some advice on staying cool over the weekend:
"What we would suggest is to try to keep your house cool.
"Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that do catch the sun, close your windows, keep the hot air out and the cool air in.
"Identify the coolest room in your house and that's where you should try to remain.
"You can take cool baths or showers, splash with cool water on your face or the back of your neck with a damp cloth, even sprinkle your clothes with water regularly- this can help keep your body temperature regulated.
"If you're considering going out for your regular walk, try to avoid peak heat times- between 11am and 3pm.
"Remain really hydrated- that's super important- and eat normally, but try to eat cool foods not hot foods that may increase your body temperature.
"What you can do is wear lighter-coloured clothes, that will actually help keep your heat down- loose cotton clothing is ideal for these sorts of circumstances."
She adds that the charity sees an jump up in calls when there's extreme temperatures.
"Our team here at Age UK North Tyneside do see an increase in calls- whether it be really hot or cold temperature.
"Our telephone lines are open, customers can reach us via email, our website, even social media.
"We take calls from carers, family members, and anyone who needs advice.
"But what we want to do is to encourage the community to check in on older people.
"Lastly, call 999 if they find that their loved one or neighbour is really struggling in this hot weather period."
You can keep an eye on heat health warnings via the Met Office website here, they also have an advice page you can find via the link here.