THE Met Office has issued an amber warning for "extreme heat" for the next few days, as the South Hams basks in baking temperatures.

High temperatures both by day and night will continue this week leading to public health impacts, the Met Office warned, with the amber warning in place until the end of Thursday.

The warning is in place for all of Devon and Cornwall, and across much of the South West and West of England.

The Met Office said: "Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat.

"The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.

"More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents. Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.

"An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses;

"Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays."