Wales braces itself for another heatwave - how do you protect yourself in hot weather?

This week the UK is expecting to face its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures likely to rise above 30C yet again.

It comes just weeks after records tumbled in Wales, with new highs for both day and overnight temperatures.

The impact of the hot weather was felt across the country with school closures, public transport cancellations and a number of incidents linked to open water swimming.

Now people are being warned that the latest stint of forecast high temperatures could significantly affect health and social care services, with a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

Wales recorded its hottest ever June day last month as Bute Park, in Cardiff, hit 35.9C.

At the time, Public Health Wales urged people across Wales to stay safe and check on family, friends and neighbours.

It also reminded people to follow water safety advice including not swimming alone, avoiding jumping into open water, supervising children, choosing lifeguarded locations and avoiding alcohol.

The upcoming heatwave is not expected to be "quite as hot or quite as humid" as last time, according to BBC Wales weather presenter Sabrina Lee.

"But the heat is set to last longer. Some places could see the heat linger into the latter part of next week," she added.

Some parts of the UK are expected to see as many as 10 consecutive days of temperatures over 30C.

Lee said Wales was not currently expecting to break its recently-set temperature records during the July heatwave.

Nighttime temperatures are not expected to be as high as those experienced in June, she added, and we should see more nights falling below the 20C mark - when this does not happen, it is known as a tropical night.

People across the UK have been sending in their best DIY hacks to help with the warm weather.

Options have ranged from freezing bed sheets and using foil blanket on windows, to more conventional tactics such as wearing lighter, loose-fitting clothing.

The NHS recommends that you drink extra fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

Having a cool shower or putting cool water on your skin or clothes will also help, as well as keeping your living space cool.

The Met Office has advised people to keep out of the sun between 11:00 to 15:00 BST, when the UV rays are strongest, and avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and always take water with you, the forecaster added.

One of the major problems during periods of heat is sleeping properly.

Last year, Andy Love, the director of Shade the UK, said many homes "do not function properly during hot weather".

According to the NHS, an adult usually needs between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, but this will vary depending on age, health and personal circumstances.

Teenagers, children and babies need more sleep than others.

The British Red Cross has advised people to sleep on the lowest level of their homes and turn off all electrical items if possible as, even in standby mode, they can generate heat.

The charity also reminded people to have a lukewarm or cool shower before bed and wear cold socks to bring down overall body temperature.

Bedding can also play a crucial role and people should use thin, cotton sheets where possible which will absorb sweat.

Body temperature drops overnight, so even if you go to bed hot, it is still best to use a cover so you don't wake up from feeling cold.

The weather in Wales will turn increasingly hot over the next few days with plenty of strong sunshine and another heatwave lasting into next week.

Compared to the last month, this heatwave will be less extreme and less oppressive with lower humidity.

I don't think we will break any records but some warm nights are expected with overnight lows typically about 14C to 20C.

The highest maximum temperature on record for July in Wales is 37.1C recorded at Hawarden Airport in July 2022.

Friday is likely to be the hottest day of the week in Wales with maximum temperatures generally in the high twenties or low 30s. A peak of 34C is possible in the Monmouth area.

The weekend will continue to see hot and sunny weather. The heatwave will ease next week but remain warm or very warm with no sign of any rain.