The Mendip area has been placed under a red extreme heat warning, with the Met Office warning that serious health impacts are likely as temperatures climb sharply this week. The alert runs from 9am on Wednesday, 24 June, until 9pm on Thursday, 25 June.

The warning says an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected. The Met Office says the impacts are likely to affect the general population, not only those usually considered most vulnerable to extreme heat.

Forecasters say temperatures in the highlighted area are now increasingly likely to exceed 37C in the shade over a two to three-day period. In some places, maximum temperatures could rise to between 38C and 40C.

The red warning says the conditions could lead to serious illness or danger to life. It also warns that very warm and humid nights may make it harder for people to recover overnight from the daytime heat.

Residents are being told that daily routines and working practices may need to change during the warning period. The alert says significant disruption to daily life is likely, with the public urged to take precautions and adapt routines where possible.

The Met Office also warns of a high risk of failure for heat-sensitive systems and equipment. Power, water, electricity, gas and mobile phone services could be affected in some areas.

Travel disruption is also possible, with delays on roads, road closures and disruption to rail and air travel listed in the warning. Forecasters also say more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers could increase the risk of water safety incidents.

The warning is expected to be closely watched by local services, event organisers, employers and families over the next two days. Residents are advised to keep an eye on official updates and plan around the hottest parts of the day.

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