Suffolk and north Essex will bask in sunshine next week and temperatures could reach a scorching 30C (86F) - making the region as hot as Spain.

East Anglian Daily Times: Family and friends enjoying a day out at Felixstowe beach Picture: GREGG BROWNFamily and friends enjoying a day out at Felixstowe beach Picture: GREGG BROWN (Image: Archant)

Forecasters predict the heatwave could bring the hottest day of 2018, with the next ten days expected to be dry and sunny.

The region’s weather over the weekend is also expected to be warm – with temperatures reaching 23C (73F) – mixed in with some spells of hazy sunshine.

The weather – combined with England’s World Cup match against Panama tomorrow – is sure to send people flocking to the shops to stock up on food for the barbecue.

If temperatures do hit 30C, Suffolk and north Essex will be as hot as Gibraltar and parts of southern Spain, such as Marbella, which are also forecast to be around the 30C mark.

East Anglian Daily Times: Holiday makers enjoying the sunshine. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHoliday makers enjoying the sunshine. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Jim Bacon, forecaster at Weatherquest, said: “It’s full-on high summertime. It’s quite possible that we could hit the low 30s next week.

“I wouldn’t like to say what day that will happen but looking ahead to the next week and a half – through this weekend and all next week – we are not likely to see anything in the way of rain.

“It might not be wall-to-wall sunshine, there will be some spells of hazy sunshine but it is going to be dry.

“We have had some cloudy days recently when the weather hasn’t been great while the west of the country was enjoying plenty of sunshine, so it’s now our time to shine.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Pollen levels are very high in the region Picture: GETTY IMAGES/iSTOCKPHOTOPollen levels are very high in the region Picture: GETTY IMAGES/iSTOCKPHOTO (Image: Archant)

Mr Bacon added that pollen levels are high as we approach the peak season at the end of June and through July.

This could spell bad news for hay fever sufferers, who have been urged to check the pollen forecast as a prompt to taking medication if required.

The forecast heatwave has also prompted a Bury St Edmunds veterinary practice to warn owners not to let their pets suffer in the sun.

Eastgate Veterinary Group expects to see an increase in the number of pets coming into its surgery with heat-related symptoms – and they are urging owners never to leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Excessive panting, anxious pacing or, in severe cases, collapsing or convulsing can be signs that a pet could be suffering from heat stroke and people are advised to contact their vet immediately.