This week's heatwave could break Huddersfield records.

Temperatures are predicted to soar as high as 33°(94°F) as a Spanish plume brings us hot air from North Africa.

And while the summer weather is great news for sunbathers and BBQ fans, people are being warned to look after themselves in the hot weather.

Prolonged heat can result in health problems, with the young, the elderly and the seriously ill most at risk. In the 2003 heatwave, there were between 2,000-3,000 excess deaths in England, according to the NHS.

The main risks are dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Enjoy this week's heatwave — but make sure you do so responsibly.

Here's seven tips for staying safe in the sun:

1. Be SunSmart

The NHS advices people protect themselves in the sun by following the SunSmart safety code.

  • S pent time in the shade between 11am-3pm.
  • M ake sure you never burn.
  • A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
  • R emember to take extra care with children.
  • T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen.

2. Protect your eyes

Over-exposure to ultraviolet light can damage the eyes, while staring directly at the sun can permanently scar the retina. You can protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses — choose a pair with the CE Mark and British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013), look for a UV 400 label and make sure they offer 100% UV protection. A wide brimmed hat can also reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your face and eyes.

3. Keep cool at home

Shut windows and pull down blinds when it is hotter outside — if it's safe, open them for ventilation when it's cooler. You can keep rooms cool with shades and reflective material outside the windows — light-coloured curtains can help, while metallic blinds and dark curtains can actually make a room hotter. Go room to room and see which is the coolest in the house.

4. Stay hydrated

Drink water and fruit juice regularly, but avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body.

5. Plan ahead

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts on TV and radio, and check the Met Office website for the latest forecasts and health warnings.

6. Look after each other

People over 75, babies and young children, people with medical conditions and people who are physically active (i.e. labourers or those playing sports) are the most vulnerable people in extreme heat. Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

7. Protect your pets

Our furry friends can't tell us when they're too hot — so it is important to keep an eye on pets to make sure they're OK in the heat:

  • Never leave pets in cars, even with the windows open;
  • Don't let them sit out in strong sunshine and keep hutches and cages in the shade;
  • Make sure pets have plenty of clean, fresh water at all times;
  • Have long-haired coats trimmed to prevent over-heating.

For more information on staying safe in summer, visit the NHS Summer health website.