Air pollution levels in Kent will be high today as the county's warm and sunny spring weather continues.

There are warnings that levels could even reach some of the very highest, due to the continued settled conditions and low winds from the continent, which could result in asthmatics needing to use their inhalers more.

The air pollution forecast, which is produced by the Met Office and monitored and broadcast by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is predicting that some of the highest levels of air pollution could be detected on Thursday in both the south east and eastern areas of the country.

Brought about by the unseasonably warm March weather, which has seen parts of Kent with daytime temperatures higher than cities including Barcelona and Madrid, the dry calm conditions are also contributing to much higher levels of air pollution.

On Tuesday, residents in Sittingbourne and Medway were told to stay indoors if they suffered with ill health because of a significant change in the air quality.

That alert, from the air pollution website KentAir, said: "Adults and children with lung problems and adults with heart problems who experience symptoms should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors."

Yesterday's forecast saw widespread moderate levels of air pollution with some higher levels in some parts of eastern England.

But it is today that is predicted to see worsening conditions, with more areas in the south east and east of the country expected to see a noticeable drop in air quality according to the latest maps from DEFRA.

The latest maps from the Met Office and DEFRA show pollution levels rising across Thursday:

The UK Air forecast for today says: "Continued areas of Moderate levels of air pollution expected across the UK, with some High, and potentially Very High levels of air pollution possible for parts of eastern and south east England."

According to DEFRA's Air Quality Index, Level 10 or 'Very High', comes with a warning to the general population to reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors and especially if you experience symptoms such as a cough or sore throat.

While in a warning to vulnerable people, the forecast warns: "Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often."

Charity Asthma and Lung UK says around two thirds of people with asthma report that poor air quality can make their asthma worse - putting them at greater risk of an asthma attack.

This is because the pollution in the atmosphere can quickly irritate the airways and trigger symptoms with some pollution particles small enough to get right into people's lungs.

In advice to asthmatics as to what to do on high pollution days, the charity suggests patients stick to their preventer routine, carry a reliever inhaler at all times, keep an eye on the forecast and avoid high pollution areas like main roads, busy junctions, bus stations and car parks. Anyone experiencing symptoms three or more times a week is advised to contact their GP for further help and advice.