Temperatures are rising across Suffolk and Essex and not expected to peak until 6pm.

Weather experts are predicting today will be a scorcher - with a potential high of 33C in some places in the region.

Hot-spots have already started recording sweltering temperatures of 28C at Santon Downham, 29C in Charsfield and 30C in Cavendish.

Forecasters at Weatherquest suggest that these numbers will rise until the evening, around 6pm, before easing down to the mid-twenties.

The weekend is expected to remain hot with clear skies, with lower temparatures of 26C at the coast as sea breezes roll in.

Weather watchers hoping to see something different to the heat wave can look forward to some low cloud and mist on Sunday morning before temperatures of 29C in the day.

With only one period of rainfall in the last 66 days, people are being urged to stay safe in the heat with water, shard and sun cream, as well as staying vigiliant on the lookout for fires.

Anyone who sees a wildfire in this weather should contact the fire service on 999 immediately.