Temperatures in parts of Kent have soared above 30C - but there will be some respite for those suffering with the heat by the weekend.

The thermometer reading rose to 31C in Dartford this afternoon at around 4pm, while it will hover around 30C in Maidstone and Rochester.

It comes as scorching temperatures were recorded across Europe at the weekend, and the Met Office has predicted that the warm weather is here to stay.

Its three-month outlook predicts above-average temperatures until the end of October.

Today, the Met Office issued a level three heatwave alert, which will remain in place until 9am on Wednesday.

It means there is a 90% chance of heatwave conditions, and people are advised to stay out of the sun and keep as cool as possible.

Things are set to cool down later in the week, but forecasters believe above-average temperatures will remain until October.

The continent is experiencing a searing heatwave aided by a weather front from North Africa.

Portugal enjoyed its hottest day in almost two decades on Saturday - with some areas reaching 46.8C.

Sixty-seven of the 101 departments in France are on heatwave alert today while the east of Germany will see 39C on Wednesday.

As usual though, back home the coast will be that little bit cooler, with highs of 25C in Lydd and 23 in Deal today.

The sunshine is set to continue into tomorrow, with highs of 31C, and temperatures are expected to peak at 21C on Thursday with a 40% chance of showers.

The mercury will stay at about the same level for the rest of the week - with about a 30% chance of rain on Sunday.

The NHS advice in hot weather is to drink plenty and avoid the sun when it is at it's strongest between 11am and 3pm.

Send us your pictures enjoying the hot weather to news@thekmgroup.co.uk or tweet us at @Kent_Online.