A red extreme heat warning has been issued for Warwick next week, with a risk to life 'likely' as temperatures could near 40C.

The warning, which is in place on Monday and Tuesday, has been issued for the first time.

Forecasters said there is a population-wide danger to life which is not limited to vulnerable people.

"Adverse health effects" could be experienced "leading to serious illness or danger to life". 

The Met Office said: "Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required."

And it has warned of "high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services".

Rail services have already issued warnings about delays to travel.

Warwickshire's gritters have been put on standby to fix road surfaces from melting in the extreme heat.

The red warning covers the Midlands, London and Manchester.

A red weather warning has been issued for the Midlands on Monday and Tuesday next weekn (image via Met Office)

In Kenilworth temperatures are expected to hit 35C on Monday (July 18) and 36C on Tuesday.

Public Health Warwickshire is urging residents to stay safe and be sensible during the heatwave.

Warwickshire County Council's Cllr Margaret Bell, portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: "Throughout hot spells susceptible groups, such as older people, the very young and people with long term conditions, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it's long been known that death rates increase in heat waves.

"The greatest advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold liquids and, if you can, keep an eye on individuals you know to be at risk.

"It is important to recognise the health dangers that extreme heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses to try and avert these.

"Be a good neighbour, check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the heat and make certain you protect yourself by taking all the required actions."