UK weather: stay out of the sun, doctors warn, as Britain braces for its hottest day

Heat-health alert issued for south and east of England, while South West Water appeals to customers to conserve water

Health warnings have been issued about this week's heatwave, which is expected to bring the hottest day of the year, with prolonged temperatures higher than in the Greek islands, and intensify pressure on water supplies.

Parents were advised to keep their children out of the sun this week, while a water company revealed that it was already looking at ways to avert introducing water restrictions for the first time since the relentless heatwave of 1976.