A LEVEL two heat-health alert has been issued for much of southern England ahead of forecast temperatures up to 34C.

The warning comes from the Met Office after high pressure and a southerly airflow arriving from North Africa on the UK’s shores.

The heat-health alert is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme temperature.

Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in some parts of the south on Friday and we want everyone to enjoy the hot weather safely when it arrives and be aware of good health advice for coping with warmer conditions. 

The Argus: Brighton could reach more than 27CBrighton could reach more than 27C

“During periods of hot weather it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.” 

Dan Rudman, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said; “Temperatures will continue to rise as we go through the week, becoming well above-average by Friday when many parts of the southern half of the UK are likely to exceed 30C and may even reach 34C in some places.” 

“This is the first spell of hot weather this year and it is unusual for temperature to exceed these values in June. Many areas will also see some warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20Cs for some overnight.” 

The Argus: The heat-health warning is used for medical professionals The heat-health warning is used for medical professionals

“The heat is a result of a mix of home-grown warming in the day due to high pressure, as well as a southerly airflow introducing some of the warm air from the continent to UK shores.” 

There is said to be a 60 per cent probability of heat-health alert criteria being met between midnight Friday and Sunday.

The criteria is two consecutive days and the intervening night being above a certain temperature. For the South East, that is 31C in the day and 16C at night.

Brighton looks set to hit 27C this weekend currently based of the Met Office’s forecast.

People could also be seen enjoying the sunshine last weekend.