How is Northamptonshire coping in the heatwave?

The extreme heat is likely to continue throughout Thursday and Friday with temperatures set to peak at 38C, the Met Office has warned.

By Saturday temperatures could drop slightly to between 32-34C with night temperatures remaining in the low 20Cs.

Significant impacts on people's health and infrastructure are anticipated, and both North and West Northamptonshire Councils have activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP).

So, what do you need to know?

SWEP serves as a safeguarding measure for rough sleepers.

West Northamptonshire Council said that "for at least the next three days" people who are sleeping rough in the area will be advised about accessing shelter during the daytime until 20:00 BST.

In Northampton, The Hope Centre said it would be open until 20:00 on Wednesday and Thursday evening.

All of the libraries managed by the Reform UK-led council will also provide bottled water to rough sleepers during the heatwave.

Northamptonshire's local authorities said that residents struggling with the heat can attend a number of public and community buildings with air conditioning or fans, which can be accessed during opening hours.

A list of locations available, which includes leisure centres and libraries, is on each of the councils' websites.

Mark Arnull, the leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "The welfare of our residents and workforce is our priority for us and we are taking steps to support their safety and wellbeing.

"We are also working closely with our other partners including the police, fire and NHS to keep residents updated on the latest advice for coping during the heatwave.

"I would urge people to keep updated on the latest service news and wellbeing information our website and social media channels."

However, those that are shut include Cogenhoe Primary School, Deanshanger Primary School and The Gateway School in Tiffield.

It is the responsibility of the school or academy to declare closures.

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 lessons in PE kit if more comfortable.

North and West Northamptonshire Council have postponed their respective full council meetings.

West Northamptonshire Countil was due to meet on Thursday, with the meeting pushed back to 13 July.

North Northamptonshire Council's meeting, which was also set for Thursday, is now provisionally set for 16 July.

The Chester House Estate in Irchester said it would close to visitors from Wednesday to Friday following the "exceptionally high temperatures".

Wednesday's Corby 5, which is part of the East Midlands Grand Prix, has also been cancelled.

The event's organisers said they hoped to find a new date for the annual run, which started and finished at East Carlton Park.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have renewed an appeal for people to not swim in open water in an attempt to cool off.

Rob Berwick, from the fire service, said: "It [open water] looks really inviting, it looks nice to go for a dip... but there are significant hidden dangers.

"We see that, especially for people jumping into the water, they can enter cold water shock. If you do, you could not be able to swim regardless of how strong a swimmer you think you are," he added.

Dr Jane Bethea, North Northamptonshire Council's director of public health, shared her concerns at reports that young people were swimming in dangerous areas of open water, after a number of fatalities during last month's extreme hot weather.

Risks of swimming in such conditions include cold water shock and unseen dangers such as strong currents or objects under the water that a swimmer could become tangled in, she added.

Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils said its waste and recycling crews would start their rounds earlier during the hot weather, with residents advised to put their bins out the night before collection to avoid it being missed.

Normal shift patterns are expected to resume early next week when the weather cools.

Household waste recycling centres opening times will be limited on Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to13:00, "to maximise public safety, whilst the high temperatures make containers, ramps and railings hot to touch," the authorities added.

The revised opening times will be kept under review and may be extended if the extreme heat continues.

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