How are Beds, Herts and Bucks coping in the heat?

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.

So, what do you need to know?

On Wednesday, more than 100 schools and colleges in Buckinghamshire were partially or fully closed because of the heatwave.

Across the county, 125 have decided to close completely or have a shorter day. The figure does not include Milton Keynes.

Parents and carers are advised to check closure details with individual schools.

In Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, the advice is also to check with schools.

A number of special schools in Hertfordshire have closed.

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 suncream
• Attend in PE kits if more comfortable

Milton Keynes Hospital warned that "some areas of the hospital may feel warmer than usual".

It asked outpatients to attend as normal and drinking water will be made available.

"Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring items such as a hand fan to help you stay cool," it adds.

It said its number of very unwell patients was increasing, so asked anyone with minor ailments to contact a pharmacist, GP or Urgent Care Services and to call NHS 111 if unsure.

Patients visiting the emergeny department are asked to bring one family member only "to help us manage the temperature in our waiting room".

Lister Hospital, in Stevenage, said the NHS was encouraging everyone to look after themselves, family members, neighbours and friends during the hot weather.

It advised:

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Stay in the shade, particularly between 11:00 and 15:00 BST
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and loose, light-coloured clothing when outdoors
• Keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds in rooms facing the sun
• Open windows at night when the temperature drops
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
• Never leave children, older people or pets in parked cars.

All the fire services for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire have urged people to "enjoy the water safely".

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said if you find yourself in trouble, remember to float:

• Stay calm
• Lean back and spread your arms and legs
• Control your breathing
• Once calm, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

It added that cold water shock was a risk, so if you are heading to the water, go with friends.

Alex Woodman, Hertfordshire's chief fire officer, said: "Tragically at least 18 people have already lost their lives in water-related incidents across the UK this year, many of whom were sadly children and young people.

"These incidents demonstrate how quickly a bit of fun, or the urge to cool down, can turn into a life-threatening situation.

"With the extremely hot weather set to continue into the weekend, we are urging residents to avoid swimming in open water.

"Even if the air temperature may feel very warm, water in rivers, lakes and reservoirs remains dangerously cold.

"Jumping into water to cool off can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning."

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue also warned people to take extra care if having a barbecue, adding that "these conditions can mean we're likely to face increased demand across the emergency services".

It asked people not to light them on dry grass, not to start any bonfires and know how to "float to live" in the event of an emergency.

At Woburn Safari Park, in Bedfordshire, it has been hotter than Madagascar, where lemurs come from, who were spotted lying in the shade.

The park said it was taking extra steps to keep the animals cool and comfortable.

"Many species have been enjoying specially prepared ice lollies made from their favourite fruits, vegetables and daily feeds - with lemurs and squirrel monkeys among those tucking into the refreshing treats."

Animals including elephants, capybaras, bears and tigers have taken advantage of pools or muddy wallows, "giving them space to regulate their body temperature in a natural way".

"For species that prefer cooler climates, such as the red pandas, they will enjoy their indoor areas with air‑conditioned spaces," it added.

To "ensure the safety and wellbeing of our crews" garden waste collections in North Buckinghamshire will be suspended on Thursday, Buckinghamshire Council said.

It apologised for the inconvenience and said it would collect "up to four black refuse sacks" at the next scheduled collection.

Hertfordshire Council said all its recycling centres would be closed between 13:00 and 15:00 until Friday.

Gritters have been put on standby "in order to apply grit to stretches of the highway where the weather may have softened the asphalt road surface".

Leverstock Green Library, London Colney Community Library, Redbourn Community Library and Wheathampstead Community Library are all closed.

"We expect all our services to be back to normal on Saturday."

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