People have been advised to stay out of the heat as temperatures across the East of England are predicted to top 30 deg C.

The Met Office says there is a 70 per cent chance of the region experiencing a heatwave between 12noon tomorrow (Tuesday) and 6am on Thursday.

In a statement released this afternoon (Monday), Val Thomas, consultant in public health at Cambridgeshire County Council, warned people to take precautions and to stay cool.

“Heatwaves can be dangerous and it’s important for everyone to keep out of the heat during the hottest times of the day, avoid sunburn and drink lots of cool drinks,” she said.

“We’re also asking people to look out for people at risk – the elderly, ill or very young people to make sure they are able to keep cool.”

A heatwave is defined as consecutive days of temperatures reaching a daytime high of 30 deg C and a night-time top temperature of 15 deg C. Forecasters are confident about the night-time predictions but less certain about the peak during the day, although the hottest day of the year so far is expected to be Wednesday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert, which prompts warnings from social and healthcare organisations to help reduce the potential impact of a heatwave, should one materialise.