A rare health alert has been issued as temperatures across south east London and north Kent look set to soar to heatwave highs of 33C.

Vulnerable people have been warned to stay indoors in a Level 2 Heat-health alert issued by the Met Office as Britain braces itself for the sizzling conditions.

The high temperatures could pose a risk to health, increasing dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly in children and the elderly.

A warm front and tropical continental air mass from Europe pushing across the country is causing the high temperatures and humidity.

The Met Office said the mercury could rise to 33C (91F) in London on Wednesday, and reach the high 20s in Scotland and northern England.

Forecasters expect a dry, very warm day across south east London and north Kent tomorrow with temperatures reaching 30C.

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Temperatures are set to soar across south east London and north Kent. 

Wednesday to Friday will remain very warm with the humidity perhaps periodically broken by thundery showers.

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Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director for Public Health England, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the good weather safely.

“Older people, young children, and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them by helping them to take plenty of cool drinks, for example.”

Public Health England’s top tips for staying safe during the impending heatwave:

  • Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
  • Protect against sunburn and use on sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection.
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent damage to your eyes.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat to keep cool.
  • Quench a thirst and drink plenty of cold fluids.
  • If you feel dizzy or develop a headache try and rehydrate, using rehydration sachets from a pharmacy if necessary.
  • Do not do too much exercise - use the hot weather as an excuse to take a day off.
  • Never leave anyone or an animal in a closed, parked car.
  • Keep your house airy - close curtains when the sun is shining and open windows during cooler parts of the day and at night.
  • Turning off non-essential lights and electrical items will also help lower the temperature.
  • Muslims observing Ramadan should take extra care and drink plenty of water between fasts.
  • St John's Ambulance advises anyone who feels unwell during the hot weather to get somewhere cool and rehydrated as soon as possible, and see a doctor if this does not help.

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Owen Baker enjoying the sunshine on the pier in Gravesend.

Whether you're relaxing in a park, struggling not to sweat in your office or enjoying an ice lolly, we'd love to see pictures of how you're chilling out or cooling off in the warm weather over the next few days.

Email your photos to newsroom@london.newsquest.co.uk, tweet them to @newsshopper or send them to us on Facebook.