This week’s scorching temperatures have led to hospital warnings after a reported increase in elderly people being taken to A&E.

Temperatures as high as 35C were expected to hit the county this week leading the Met Office to issue a level two heatwave alert.

While rising mercury was expected to peak on Wednesday, Darent Valley Hospital reported that more elderly people had already been admitted as a matter of emergency due to dehydration and confusion.

The current hot weather has led the hospital to issue its own warning, and advice, to Gravesend and Dartford residents.

A hospital spokesman said: “As we all enjoy the lovely weather, it is as important as ever to enjoy it safely.

“It is very easy to lose track of time and become sunburnt, dehydrated and exhausted.

“During the past 24 hours we have seen an increase in the number of elderly people coming in to the Emergency Department with dehydration, leading to confusion.

"Children also need to ensure they have plenty of sunblock and keep their heads covered from the sun.

“Those children with breathing problems need to have access to their prescribed medication at all times.

“Our advice is to drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol), keep covered and use sunblock, particularly at midday when the sun is at its hottest. Enjoy the weather and stay safe.”

“Our advice is to drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol), keep covered and use sunblock, particularly at midday when the sun is at its hottest." - Darent Valley Hospital

The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot. Temperatures in excess of 30C can cause dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Graham Bickler, of Public Health England said: “There is considerable evidence that heatwaves are dangerous and can kill.

“In the 2003 heatwave, there were 2,000 to 3,000 excess deaths [more than usual] in England.

“Across Europe, there were around 30,000 excess deaths.

“Most of the information is common sense. It’s not rocket science, but it can have a dramatic effect.”

The heatwave is said to be a result of a Spanish plume – a warm air front spreading north from the Iberian Peninsula.

Nations on the Continent have issued even greater warnings as temperatures were expected to hit as high as 40C.