The Met Office has upgraded its 'rare' Amber heat health warning to Red for the first time as temperatures continue to soar, now posing a possible risk to life in Essex.

Ulting, Woodham Walter, and Hazeleigh are among the villages in the Maldon District where residents are most at risk due to the exceptional heat early next week.

According to BBC Weather, temperatures in Maldon are expected to reach their peak this Monday at a sweltering 38°C (100.4°F).

On Tuesday, Maldonians will face a similarly scorching 37°C (98.6°F), before temperatures gradually return to closer to normal levels for this time of year.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Essex County Council, has urged the public to help those more vulnerable as the heatwave bakes the county.

He said: "The weather forecasts tell us we're heading for record temperatures in Essex.

"My mind is turning to the older, vulnerable people in our communities. Please think about those people living on their own or in couples, whose homes are badly ventilated.

"This is going to be a very hot weekend. Let us be kind, and cool Essex by helping those around us, and thus helping people live."

"Let us be kind, and cool Essex by helping those around us, and thus helping people live." John Spence, Essex County Councillor

The Met Office updated its warning in parallel with the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England.

The UKHSA says Level 4 is declared during a severe or prolonged heatwave. This means "illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, not just those in high-risk groups".

People have been warned to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness.

Earlier this week, the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System shared five 'easy' ways for locals to stay safe during the heatwave:

1. Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
2. Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
3. Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you dehydrated.
4. Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
5. Finally, sunscreen is important but using the right one can be confusing. The NHS's general advice is a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB and at least four-star UVA protection. However, the best protection from the sun is to stay in the shade at the hottest parts of the day, from 11am to 3pm.

The RSPCA has also issued guidance on how to keep pets safe in hot weather.