The UK's Health Security Agency has issued a yellow warning for heat across the entire southwest.

The warning comes amid soaring temperatures which are expected to peak this week at 27 degrees celsius in Wellington.

The alert came into effect on Monday, September 4, and is expected to expire on September 10 at 9 pm.

The agency has warned that the hot weather is expected to impact the health and social care sector, and lead to an increase in the risk of mortality for the the most vulnerable patients.

Some parts of the UK are projected to see temperatures as high as 31 or 32 degrees in the week.

The sunshine marks a break from a wet summer which saw heavy rainfall and cloudy skies.