The UK health security agency has issued a heat health alert warning for Essex with rising temperatures predicted for later this week.

It comes into force at midnight on Thursday as temperatures are set to reach the thirties on Friday.

This is the first Level 2 heat-health alert of the year, with high temperatures expected across the Midlands and the south of the country later this week.

The alert, which comes into place at midnight on Thursday 16 June until midnight on Saturday 18 June, covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West regions.

The Essex Weather Centre has forecast highs of 32°C on Friday.

If the prediction is accurate, Essex will be hotter than Portugal, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands and Cyprus.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

High temperatures are expected in some parts of the Midlands and the south on Friday. We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather safely when it arrives and be aware of good health advice for coping with warmer conditions.

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.