Met Office issues urgent three-day heat alert as Britain's mercury to soar in hours

Britain is set to bake in near-30C temperatures next week, prompting a heat-health alert to be issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency.

The agencies warn deaths due to the heat are "likely" in South East England, East Anglia and London, especially in those aged 65 plus or people with health conditions. These impacts could also be seen in younger age groups.

Demand on remote healthcare services is likely to increase while temperatures in hospitals and care homes could exceed recommended thresholds.

The heat might also affect workers and many places indoors are likely to overheat, leading to an increased risk to "vulnerable" people who either live independently or in care settings, according to the warning.

The East of England, South East England, and London are potentially set to see the worst impacts, while the agencies warn of probable "minor" issues affecting Yorkshire and the Humber, the Midlands, and South West England.

In North East and North West England, there is a potential for increased use of healthcare services by "vulnerable" people and an increased risk of mortality among the same population. It could also become very warm indoors, but the UKHSA says it is not expecting these outcomes.

Heat alerts are sent to every health trust provider of NHS commissioned care, local authority and social care organisation in England.

The yellow heat health alert is in effect from Monday (July 29) from 9am to Wednesday (July 31) at 11pm.

In its latest longer-range forecast covering July 30 to August 8, the Met Office says temperatures will probably be close to or slightly above average overall.

It says there is a likelihood of some very warm conditions developing in the south and possibly parts of the east at times.

Netweather maps show maximum temperatures could reach 30C in parts of the UK on Tuesday (July 30). Above average temperaturs have been forecast for South East England as a plume of hot air looks set to push across the English Channel.

Maps generated by WX Charts show temperatures reaching as high as 30C in London while parts of South East England could exceed 27C. Other regions can expect average temperatures, ranging between 21C and 28C.

Jim Dale, founder and senior meteorological consultant at British Weather Services, told Express.co.uk: "This plume is expected to last two to three days, according to current trends. We will experience periods of intense heat."

He said plenty of sunshine is expected, but thunderstorms might bring an abrupt end to the sunny spell, serving as an "antidote" to the scorching heat.

The Met Office's forecast shows less certainty, but it does suggest the South East is likely to enjoy the sunniest and warmest weather.