The Met Office has issued a heat health alert in six regions around the UK ahead of a warm weekend that will see temperatures climb up to 30C.
A yellow heat alert has been issued across London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber.
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, is currently in place from 12pm tomorrow until 9am on Sunday.
Temperatures could go up to 27C or 28C on Friday and 30C on Saturday, forecasters have said.
While the warm weather is set to be short-lived and could be followed by thunderstorms, it is likely that there will be some impacts across the health and social care sector.
A yellow alert means that any impacts likely include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "This weekend it;s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
"The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: "Temperatures will be on the rise from Friday, with a plume of continental air allowing temperatures to reach, and perhaps locally exceed, 30C in parts of England on Friday and Saturday.
"In addition, temperatures overnight will remain high, especially in towns and cities, which will make for an uncomfortably warm night for some.
"Temperatures are likely to start to drop from the west on Saturday and more widely into Sunday, as showers and thunderstorms sweep northeast across the country."
During this spell of hot weather, it is recommended that people check on their family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell.
It is also important to be aware of the risks and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, avoiding being in the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Sunny spells for most, with just a few showers. Some wet and windy weather moving into Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the afternoon and evening. Temperatures around average.
Tonight:
Dry with clear spells for many. Rain continuing to spread northeast across Scotland, turning heavy at times. Becoming windy for most. Temperatures around average.
Friday:
A warm and sunny day for many on Friday, but remaining wet and windy in the northwest. Winds easing a little through the day.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Temperatures rising further on Saturday with a potentially thundery breakdown. Turning fresher on Sunday with sunshine and showers, and staying unsettled into the new working week.
