The fine, dry weather which our region has been treated to in the past few days is set to continue until at least this weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACHPupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACH

Forecasters are predicting very little change in the temperatures on offer for the next few days.

Yesterday saw Santon Downham on the Norfolk-Suffolk border was one of the hottest places in Suffolk, reaching 25C by 1pm.

Local forecasters Weatherquest said that temperatures for today would stay around that 25 or 26C inland and that the sunny skies will return after a grey start.

With coastal fog and low cloud the more easterly parts of the region could stay at around 16/7C today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACHPupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACH

After at least five days of temperatures 5C above average for this time of year East Anglia is experiencing a heatwave according to agreed definitions of the word.

It is unclear as to when the weather will break but forecasters are warning that Sunday could be the turning point with showers and thunderstorms possible in to next week.

In the mean time healthcare professionals across the county are warning people to take care while they are out enjoying the sun.

In particularly they are warning people to look out for the most vulnerable members of society during the hot conditions.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACHPupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACH

Dr Christopher Browning, a GP in Long Melford and chairman of NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Most advice on staying well during hot weather is common sense, but some people run a greater risk of harm, including older people, babies and young children and people with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems.

“So please look out for others.

Dr Mark Shenton, a GP in Stowmarket and chairman of NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “When the weather is hot you sweat to cool down, meaning you lose more fluid than usual from your body.

“This can lead to a drop in blood pressure so your heart beats faster. If you have a heart condition it is important that you keep out of the hot sun, stay hydrated, eat cold foods and avoid too much exertion.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACHPupils from Gamlingay First School enjoying a day of raft building and sailing them on the Deben in Woodbridge Picture: RUTH LEACH

“And please remember, if you use an asthma inhaler don’t leave it in direct sunlight or somewhere it could get hot, such as a car glove box. This could prevent it working properly.”