RESIDENTS across the North West are being told to prepare following the declaration of a RED weather warning.

The Met Office has issued the very rare alert for the first time in an upgrade of its earlier amber warning for extreme heat – which carries a ‘danger to life’.

The amber warning comes into force from midnight on Saturday for 24 hours, when it will then be replaced by the red warning from midnight on Sunday, for 48 hours through to midnight on Tuesday.

Forecasters are warning of ‘exceptional and record-breaking’ heat for a spell, with temperatures of 35C and above, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

Population-wide adverse health effects are expected, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life.

Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only. Seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required, while there is a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment.

Chester and District Standard:

This could potentially lead to a localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services.

Significantly more people will be visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.

Delays on roads and road closures are likely, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas.

“This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

“Temperatures are expected to drop away from Wednesday onwards.”