Parts of Britain are set for a scorching Sunday with temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius.

South-east England is expected to see the hottest conditions, and Monday could be even warmer as forecasters predict the mercury will touch 32C (90F).

The Met Office issued a heat-health alert for the East Midlands, east of England and the South East, warning of dangers of high temperatures, particularly for the very old, the very young and those with chronic conditions.

Head of health forecasting at the Met Office, Patrick Sachon, said: "There is the possibility of daytime and night-time temperatures reaching trigger thresholds.

"These temperatures, together with high humidity, pose a risk to vulnerable people, such as those with underlying health problems."

MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said the hot weather would also be mixed with some heavy showers.

Forecaster Andy Ratcliffe said: "We are looking at highs of 30C (86F) with the warmest temperatures being in the London area.

"But there is also a chance of a few thundery showers developing in northern England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland will have showers and longer spells of rain.

"On Monday most of the UK will remain hot and humid. Temperatures could rise to 32C (90F) in London."

He added that the chance of lightning and torrential downpours would be more widespread on Monday. Cooler weather is expected to spread across the country by the middle of next week.