Kent is set for the hottest day of the year so far - with temperatures set to sizzle in the mid 30s.

Hot air coming from the Sahara is expected to push temperatures to a sweltering 34C across the region today.

Public Health England has declared a level 2 heat-health alert, triggered when the Met Office forecasts a 60% or greater chance of temperatures hitting 30C for at least two days consecutively.

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But Kent has a bit of a way to go to beat the highest temperature ever recorded for the UK.

The highest temperature ever officially recorded in the United Kingdom is 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on August 10, 2003 at Brogdale, near Faversham.

VIDEO: We ask the people of Kent what they make of the weather...

Today, as the mercury rises higher than in Hawaii, Greece or Los Angeles, experts are warning that disruption to transport networks is likely.

The extreme heat could even melt road surfaces and warp railway lines.

For those who have donned a hat and slapped on the shade - and even had the foresight to book today off - a glorious day is ahead.

But health experts are warning people to be prepared, as most heat-related deaths happen in the first two days of a heatwave.

Kent County Council says health and social care workers have already identified the people they care for who are most at risk and made plans to protect them if the heatwave happens.

Staff will be checking on vulnerable people and making sure steps are taken to protect them.

People are being urged to make sure vulnerable friends and neighbours have enough supplies such as food, water and medication.

KCC Director for Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark, said: "For many, the hot weather is enjoyable and a blessing but it can cause issues for certain members of the community, such as the old, the very young and those with underlying health problems.

"When it is hot outside, it is not just about vulnerable people being ready – it is also about families and communities looking out for each other.

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"There is lots of good advice out there and this is a time of year when friends, neighbours and families can make an important difference by rallying round and taking time to care for each other."

Experts advise staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, drinking cold soft drinks regularly, shutting windows and pulling down blinds, wear loose clothing, have cool baths or showers and stay in the coolest room of the house.

Dr James Thallon, medical director for NHS England South East, added: "Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone in hot weather and if it isn't treated it can lead to heatstroke, which can be dangerous and in some cases fatal.

"If you or anyone else feels unwell, drink water and go somewhere cool to rest. If symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, dizziness, weakness or cramps get worse or don’t go away, it is important to seek medical help."

Meanwhile, Folkestone has been named as one of the top emerging holiday hotspots within an hour of London.

According to a travel website, the town has seen a 'huge spike' in demand from tourists with a 112 percent increase in inquiries compared with last year.

It is second out of 10 towns listed - beating Whitstable and Faversham.

Weather experts say it will be dry, hot and rather humid today, with prolonged spells of strong sunshine.

Even tonight the thermometer is not expected to dip below 22C.

Tomorrow we can expect more of the same, with temperatures slightly cooler, at 31C.

Got a sneaky day off today? Send in your sunshine pictures to news@thekmgroup.co.uk.