West Midlands bakes as high temperatures continue

Warnings have been issued in the West Midlands as temperatures climbed above 30C across the region.

Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Worcester and Hereford were all expected to reach 32C on Tuesday afternoon, with Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Shrewsbury and Lichfield forecasting highs of 31C.

An amber heat-health alert remained in place for the region, while a yellow warning for severe thunderstorms was also issued by the Met Office for Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Safety advice has been issued by fire services, hospitals, charities and animal attractions as the hot weather continues through half-term week.

The Birmingham-based Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warned people never to take barbecues inside buildings, tents or vehicles - even while cooling down.

It said hot coals could reignite and start fires, while carbon monoxide released from barbecues could become life-threatening in enclosed spaces.

Fire services across the region urged people to take care in countryside areas and around open water during the hot weather.

John Elsworth, station commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We're incredibly fortunate here in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to have access to such beautiful outdoor spaces."

He added: "By treating these environments with care and respect, we can help ensure they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, while also protecting the natural environment around us."

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service warned of the dangers of cold water shock, while Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service urged visitors to countryside areas not to start open fires and reminded people to dispose of cigarettes responsibly.

Meanwhile, animal attractions in the Black Country and Shropshire said they were taking extra steps to help residents cope with the heat.

Jodie Dryden, head of primates at Dudley Zoo and Castle, said staff had introduced ice lollies and temporary pools for animals during the hot weather.

"If it's a carnivore, we could use blood lollies," she told BBC WM. "Penguins and primates would have fruit-based ones - anything they would naturally have in their diet.

"The animals aren't daft - they'll hide away in the shade like we do."

Dryden added that giraffes, rainbow lorikeets, tigers and apes all enjoyed the heat, although shaded areas remained available across the zoo.

"It's hilly here at the castle zoo, so the hills are a killer for staff in the heat, especially because it's such a physical job," she said.

At Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, near Telford, keepers said animals had been given extra pools, shaded rest areas and frozen treats during the heatwave.

The zoo's black and white ruffed lemurs were given frozen pear, while marmosets had been playing with giant ice cubes filled with treats and fishing for mealworms submerged in water.

Owner Will Dorrell said: "Many of our animals are quite happy in the warmer weather, but they definitely appreciate a bit of extra help to stay cool."

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Sedgley said it had decided to open on Wednesday after receiving large numbers of messages from visitors hoping to enjoy the weather.

Health organisations also encouraged people to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said people should seek shade between 11:00 BST and 15:00, wear loose-fitting clothing and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart, which operates across the region, also urged people to keep blinds and curtains closed during the day, limit oven use and use fans or water sprays to stay cool indoors.

Forecasters said thunderstorms could develop across parts of the Midlands later on Tuesday, bringing the risk of heavy showers and lightning after days of high temperatures.

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