The heatwave this week is likely to have serious consequences for people locked up. Inside the cells, the already filthy conditions are exacerbated by the heat, as food goes off and brings out the cockroaches and rats more frequently.

To be able to drink the water prisoners need to boil it first, which pushes temperatures even higher and makes staying hydrated a challenge. Very little air gets into the cells.

This is especially dangerous for those with chronic illness and those who are elderly. Overcrowded prisons with multiple occupants in single cells are not set up to manage such extreme weather.