EMERGENCY services across Dorset are urging members of the public to extra precautions throughout the expected heatwave.

The words of warning come as the ambulance services said it was facing “extreme pressure”.

Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-30s next week with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for “exceptionally high temperatures”.

South Western Ambulance Service asked the public to support them over the next few days by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

A spokesperson said: “As a result of a sustained demand on our service, our resource escalation action plan (REAP) is at level four – which represents ‘extreme pressure’.

“This level allows us to reallocate resources on the road and in our control rooms and to re-prioritise our operational efforts to ensure we provide the best care possible to the communities we serve.

“The public can support us by only calling 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency and by taking steps to keep hydrated and stay out of the sun at the hottest periods of the day.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, likewise, has said the hot, dry conditions mean there’s an increased risk of fires spreading.

They reminded residents and visitors not to have barbecues on heathland or in open spaces with a number of large fires being reported recently.

Group Manager Graham Kewley said: “The exceptional weather that is forecast for the coming days means that we all need to take care when out and about. We want people to enjoy the sunshine, but we do urge everyone to think about what they’re doing and perhaps amend their plans to stay as safe as possible.”

He added: “We’d also remind anyone heading out in the car to make sure they have some bottled water with them – it doesn’t take much to cause traffic congestion, and being stuck in a hot car unexpectedly in these conditions can quickly lead to dehydration.”

With beaches anticipating an influx of visitors, the RNLI has asked people to remember “Float to Live” in order to stay safe.

Gabbi Batchelor, Water Safety Education Manager at the RNLI, said: ‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risks of the environment. It can be very unpredictable, particularly during early summer when the risk of cold water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold.

"If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard."