Heat health alert as holiday temperatures near 32C

The South East is now under an amber heat health alert as temperatures in the region are expected to reach up to 32C.

People have been advised to avoid going out in the sun during the hottest times of the day and to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains that face the sun.

The amber warning is in place from 14:00 BST on Friday until 17:00 on Wednesday.

Temperatures have already reached their highest of the year so far, with 27.4C recorded at Heathrow Airport on Friday.

Heat health alerts are only issued for England between 1 June and 1 September. Outside of that period, they can be issued in exceptional circumstances.

Temperatures are expected to break 30C right across the region over the coming days.

Tunbridge Wells and Crawley are both set for 31C on Monday, while Woking is braced for 32C the same day.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UK Health Security Agency, said: "Even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions.

"It's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days."

The UKHSA has warned of an increase in risk to health for people aged over 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

It also says there could be increased demand on all health and social services, temperatures in care settings exceeding recommended thresholds, and the heat affecting the ability of the workforce.

There may also be problems with medicine supplies, public transport and travel.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has warned against wildfires in the countryside, urging people not to drop cigarettes or burning material on the ground, or to use barbecues in dry areas.

Meanwhile, thousands of people are hitting the road on Friday for the half-term getaway.

Drivers have been told to prepare for congestion on the roads, with some 18,000 cars expected to travel through the Port of Dover between Friday and Sunday.

Motorways will also be busy, with 19 million people expected to be on the roads nationally, the RAC estimates - a million more than during the late May bank holiday last year.

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