THINGS are hotting up in Hampshire and the county can expect temperatures to soar this week.

Today Southampton is set to see highs of 27C according to the Met Office.

And the heatwave will continue this week with the mercury staying around 20C right up until the weekend.

Health experts are warning of risks to young children and older people, urging them to stay cool and hydrated.

Terry Blair-Stevens, consultant in health improvement at Public Health England South East, said: “For some people, particularly older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.

"During hot weather some people may not be able to adapt to the extra strain hot weather will put on their bodies and may feel the ill-effects. It is important to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you’re able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated."

Most people have nothing to worry about if they follow "common sense" guidance, Mr Blair-Stevens added.

From Wednesday onwards there the outlook is hot and humid, with a small chance of intense thunderstorms while Thursday and Friday will feel fresher with temperatures closer to normal with sunshine and showers.

Britons have been basking in the hottest temperatures of the year so far - with forecasters predicting the heat to soar to the mid-30s this week.

Record highs of 27.6C were recorded in several parts of England on Sunday, nudging ahead of the previous best of 27.4C set on June 6.

And the fine summer weather - coinciding with the beginning of the school holidays - shows no signs of stopping.

Steven Keates, senior forecaster with the Met Office, said: "For the week ahead, the first couple of days are getting warmer.

"Monday will get off to a misty and hazy start in a few places but will be up to 27C (80.6F) in some of the cooler places such as west Scotland.

"London and the Midlands might be knocking on the door of 30C (86F) and then even further - 33C and 34C (93.2F) by Tuesday.

"Things will cool down a bit overnight into Wednesday, but even then it will still be the mid-20s."

Mr Keates said there will be a handful of isolated thunder storms before the week was out, but that temperatures would largely remain above average for the time of year.

Public Health England issues the following advice for hot weather:

  • Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
  • Drink plenty of water - sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • Open windows when it feels cooler outside and it’s safe to do so
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes