The heat health alert for East Sussex has been upgraded with temperatures set to reach the mid-30s Celcius over the next few days.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its warning alert to amber, meaning the whole population could be at risk from hot weather. Vulnerable people with existing medical conditions are at even greater risk.
The warning will be in place from 9:00 BST on Tuesday to the same time on Thursday. It means the NHS may also see increased demand on GPs and ambulances, plus travel disruption is likely.
This latest heatwave comes after some of the driest regions of the UK missed a chance of rain over the weekend. Parts of southern England remain in “prolonged dry weather” the final stage before drought is declared.
Dry ground and low soil moisture levels are likely to become an increasing concern, potentially fuelling issues with water supply, wildfires and agriculture.
Both the Ashdown Forest and East Sussex Fire and Rescue service (ESFRS) have urged people to take extreme care and be vigilant with anything that might spark a wild-fire with the forest at extreme risk.