THE Met Office has issued a heatwave health alert for Brighton.

The forecasting service is predicting weeks of hot and sunny weather, from now until early September - and possibly longer.

It comes a day after weather chiefs said a heatwave would not hit sussex.

The national weather forecaster expects August bank holiday temperature records to be set this weekend, and says this is set to be the start of long spell of sunshine and higher than average temperatures.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "After a rather unsettled couple of weeks, it’s going to turn warm and sunny for many - just in time for the late August Bank Holiday weekend.

"From Friday (23 August) south easterly winds will draw warm air from Europe towards the UK, bringing rising temperatures along with dry and settled weather."

In light of the current forecast, the Met Office has issued several heat health alerts in partnership with Public Health England.

The Level 2 alert for Sussex states: “There is a 70 percent probability of heat health criteria being met between 6pm on Saturday and 9am on Tuesday in parts of England.

“Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.”

This weekend temperatures are predicted to rise to 25C on Saturday with sun expected from 8am until 8pm at night.

Sunday is expected to be another hot day with the mercury set to reach 25C again with Monday slightly cooler but still warm at 23C.

NHS Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) recommends following these tips to stay safe during the predicted hot weather:

  • Stay out of the sun
  • Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
  • Take extra care with children
  • Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and shutting them during the day may help.
  • Open them when it is cooler at night.
  • Keep drinking fluids.
  • If there's anybody you know, for example an older person living on their own, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do.

Dr David Supple, Clinical Chair at NHS Brighton and Hove CCG, said: “We’re urging residents and visitors to our city to be aware of the dangers of the heat – most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long, there are health risks. When a heatwave alert rises hits this summer, make sure the hot weather does not harm you or anyone you know.

“Going into shade, wearing clothing and sunglasses, and using sunscreen which is at least factor 15 with good UV-A protection on all exposed skin, will all help reduce the risks we all face from the heat.”

Anyone who feels unwell due to the heat, should call NHS 111, visit their GP or go to the NHS walk-in centre at Brighton Station.