WORCESTERSHIRE sizzled on the hottest day of the year so far as soaring temperatures caused a spike in hospital patient numbers as roads melted.

Both A&E departments at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch saw a rise in patient numbers as the heat exacerbated existing health problems like asthma.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service reported a 63 per cent increase in the number of calls relating to breathing difficulties this Tuesday compared to last.

As of 3pm this Tuesday 200 calls were received compared to 123 calls as of 3pm last Tuesday. Breathing problems can be made worse in hot weather.

Overall the number of calls to the service increased by 24 per cent from 1,607 last Tuesday to 1,995 this Tuesday.

West Mercia Police officers also had to respond to reports that people were leaving dogs in cars, issuing a blunt animal welfare warning: "Don't cook your dog!"

The Met Office declared a level 3 heatwave alert and Public Health England issued health advice.

Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at Public Health England, said: "Now the heatwave has arrived people will likely be out and about more enjoying the summer sun.

"But it's important to remember that there are some people whose health suffers in hot weather.

"Older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children may all feel the ill-effects of heat over the coming days.

"We're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any help."

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said both their A&E departments in Worcester and Redditch had been busy.

He said: “The hot weather has seen an increase in attendances at A&E across the county. Both departments are busy but coping.

"It’s clear the hot weather is exacerbating long term conditions such as asthma.”

Advice included remaining hydrated, wearing sunscreen and remaining indoors, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Due to extreme temperatures, all Worcestershire road surface dressing schemes were postponed until further notice.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: "Bromwich Road was recently resurfaced overnight.

"Unfortunately the current high temperatures have caused issues with the road surface.

"We are monitoring and taking measures to ensure the road surface remains durable and safe."

The heat was so intense it even caused Network Rail to put in speed restrictions, causing journeys to take longer as rail temperatures were set to exceed 50C in parts of the country.

Speed restrictions were put in place throughout the main junctions into and out of London Paddington, causing delays of up to 15 minutes.

A spokesperson for Network Rail explained: “Our modern rails are far more resistant to heat expansion and buckling than they used to be. However, a day this hot affects even our track, so we need to restrict speeds for safety."

Some services also had to be cancelled to maintain the timetable.

There were also Met Office warnings about the prospect of thunderstorms following the heat, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

A spokesman said: “Whilst most places will miss the worst, please be aware of the risk of flash flooding.

"Frequent lightning, large hail and strong winds could be additional hazards. All of this could lead to some flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks. Disruption to power is also possible."

South Worcestershire's local policing area team said: "It's the hottest day so far this year.

"We have had four calls alone this morning about dogs left in hot cars."

Supt Kevin Purcell, South Worcestershire's police commander, said via Twitter: "Basic stuff! Love your dog? Don't cook it!"