A heat health warning has been issued for Essex as temperatures are predicted to rise over the next two days.

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

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.

Read more >>> Heat health alert warning issued for Essex as temperatures set to hit 32°C

"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."

The Essex Weather Centre has forecast highs of 32°C on Friday which, if accurate, means Essex will be hotter than Portugal, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands and Cyprus.

Here's how hot the Met Office predicts it will be across south Essex over the next two days.

Southend

The city will be sunniest and most humid from 5am to 8am on Thursday with it being cloudy for the rest of the day. Temperatures will hit 24°C from 1pm to 7pm.

Forecasters predict Southend will be hottest at 4pm on Friday, hitting 28°C. It will also be sunniest from 1pm to 7pm, with it being cloudy in the morning.

Basildon

Basildon is also predicted to be sunniest and most humid from 5am to 8am on Thursday with clouds remaining for the rest of the day.

However, temperatures will reach 27°C at 3pm and stay in the mid twenties from 1pm to 6pm.

The experts also predict the town will be sunniest from 1pm to 7pm on Friday as temperatures will stay over 28°C, hitting 30°C at 4pm.

Castle Point

Castle Point will be hottest from 1pm to 5pm on Thursday as temperatures will reach 26°C and remain in the mid twenties.

Forecasters predict the area will also be scorching on Friday, with temperatures remaining above 28°C from 1pm to 4pm and reaching 29°C. It will be cloudy changing to sunny by lunchtime.

Rochford

Rochford is predicted to be cloudy changing to sunny intervals on Thursday, with it being hottest at 25°C at 2pm.

The experts also predict the area will be cloudy changing to sunny by lunchtime on Friday as temperatures will reach 28°C from 1pm to 4pm.