Sweltering temperatures across Suffolk and north Essex are set to continue well into next week, forecasters have said.

East Anglian Daily Times: It could be a bumper barbecue weekend with hot weather expected for England's World Cup quarter final with Sweden Picture: thinkstockpicturesIt could be a bumper barbecue weekend with hot weather expected for England's World Cup quarter final with Sweden Picture: thinkstockpictures (Image: bernardbodo)

News of the continued sunshine will no doubt please England fans planning barbecues ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter final against Sweden.

According to Norwich-based forecasters Weatherquest, it will be another dry day across the region today, with some thicker cloud during the morning slowly clearing throughout the day.

Temperatures are expected to hit around 25C (77F) and it will feel warm.

The sunny weather, mixed in with some cloud, is set to remain with highs of 25C/26C predicted for the next four days as the heatwave continues.

East Anglian Daily Times: England players celebrate victory against Colombia in the penalty shoot-out last night. It is set to be another warm weekend for the quarter final Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIREEngland players celebrate victory against Colombia in the penalty shoot-out last night. It is set to be another warm weekend for the quarter final Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

The pollen count in the east of England remains high and according to the Press Association, calls to an asthma helpline have surged by more than 40%.

The Asthma UK helpline received 642 calls in June, up from 450 in April – a 42.7% increase – with the charity pointing out that pollen count is a factor.

Sonia Munde, head of services at Asthma UK, said: “Calls to Asthma UK’s specialist nurse-staffed helpline surged by over 40% in June, with many callers saying that they are struggling to cope with high pollen levels affecting their asthma.

“An estimated 3.3 million people in the UK who have asthma say their pollen allergy triggers their asthma so as well as having to deal with hayfever symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a running nose, they’re also at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.

“People who have asthma and a pollen allergy should take hayfever medicines, such as antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays, and make sure they take their preventer inhaler as prescribed for the best chance of staying well.”