A “NATIONAL emergency” has been declared for Engand as  parts of the country are predicted to have record-breaking temperatures next week.

A Level 4 heat-health warning has been issued for the entire country for Monday and Tuesday by the UK Health Security Agency, with “exceptional temperatures possible in places” and potential for threat to life.

The hottest locations are likely to be in parts of central and eastern England, where the Met Office is forecasting the possibility of temperatures of 40C for the first time.

This is the first time such a warning has been issued. It is triggered when a heatwave is “so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system”.

The agency has warned that “illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups”.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of the weekend and the start of next week.

“It is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.

“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focused a little more east and north on Tuesday.

“Currently there is a 50 per cent chance we could see temperatures top 40C and 80 per cent chance we will see a new maximum temperature reached.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

“Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”

Temperatures in Brighton and Hove are set to reach 33C on Tuesday, with the mercury forecast to hit 35C at Gatwick Airport.

The news comes as the Met Office issues a red warning for extreme heat for London and parts of central and eastern England. An amber warning remains in place for the rest of the country and parts of Wales.