How is Norfolk coping in the heat?

The extreme heat is likely to continue throughout Thursday and Friday with temperatures set to peak at 34C, the Met Office has warned.

In Norfolk, temperatures are due to drop slightly on Thursday to 30C before rising again the next day.

An amber warning for extreme heat is in place across the county until Friday at 21:00 BST. By Sunday, temperatures could drop to 25C with night temperatures falling into the low teens.

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

So, what do you need to know?

Norfolk County Council said across the county six schools have closed or partially closed due to the heat on Thursday.

The affected schools are:

• Acorn Park School
• Compass Community School Eld Park
• Hall School
• Hillcrest Primary School
• Include School Norfolk
• Poringland Primary School & Nursery

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 sun cream and attend in PE kits if more comfortable

A critical incident has been declared by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after its MRI machines stopped working due to the heat.

It said it currently has "no working MRI scanners" across its Norwich sites, after the cooling system was affected by the heat and humidity.

At least 254 outpatient appointments have already been cancelled.

Across the county hospitals are advising people to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke as the temperature continues to rise.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) said most advice on staying well "is common sense".

It has urged people to check in on loved ones and neighbours, especially older people or people with long-term health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the heat.

It has also advised people avoid strenuous exercise.

Rail operators have warned of potential disruption due to the extreme heat, including overhead cables sagging towards the track, and have advised passengers to travel only if necessary.

Greater Anglia warned that delays should be expected.

Network Rail said trains will be operating at reduced speeds and amended timetables were likely.

No rail replacement buses will be offered if there were cancellations, it added.

Norwich City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol for rough sleepers.

The authority put it into place on Wednesday and it will run until 08:00 BST on Sunday.

The emergency measures will see homeless people being offered packs that include water, sun protection and other essentials.

Councils across the county are also adapting bin collections to be earlier to prevent staff working during the hottest part of the day.

With more people expected to head to the coast to cool off the RNLI are urging people to take care in the water.

Wells RNLI said on social media: "With hot weather forecast across the week, Wells RNLI is urging everyone heading to the coast or open water to take care and remember that the water remains dangerously cold, even on the warmest days.

"Cold water shock can affect anyone and can lead to an involuntary gasp, panic and difficulty breathing, making it much harder to stay afloat and get to safety."

Anyone visiting Wells has also been advised to check tide times to avoid becoming trapped.

Wells RNLI said if you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to control your breathing

• Move your hands and legs gently to help you stay afloat

• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety

If you see someone else in difficulty:

• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

• Tell the person to float on their back

• Throw them something that floats

• Never enter the water yourself

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service advise never going open water swimming alone.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said it was "on high alert" for fire in open spaces and warned the risk of wildfires was amplified due to the extreme conditions.

It asked people to take steps to avoid fires by:

• Skipping disposable BBQs and opting for a picnic instead
• Ensuring cigarettes are fully out and disposed of properly
• Always binning litter or taking it home – it can easily start a fire

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