It's going to be hot, hot, hot later today, according to the Met Office.

The experts have issued an amber weather warning for London and the south east.

A Level 3 - Heatwave Action will also be in pace from noon.

The Met warned: "There is a 90 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between noon on Tuesday and 6pm on Saturday (Aug 13).

High pressure is dominating this week, with fine and dry conditions across most of the country with prolonged sunny spells and light to moderate breezes.

Temperatures are set to rise from "warm or very warm" to "hot" in most regions with Kent in line for the warmest weather.

The Met Office predicts temperatures could reach the mid-30s by Friday with possible thunder storms on Saturday.

Today's weather forecast says most areas will be "fine and dry with plenty of sunshine" and temperatures "hotter than yesterday" although it will have to go something to beat the record set by Herne Bay in August 2003 when 38.5C was recorded.

The heatwave coincides with a hosepipe ban across most of Kent except for the Sittingbourne and Sheppey areas.

The lack of rain has created tinder-dry conditions which has led to a spate of grass fires and warnings against using disposable barbecues.

The UK Health Security Agency has asked residents to look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.

Tips on beating the heat include closing curtains in rooms facing the sun.

A UKHSA spokesman said: "Remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot."

Advice on reducing the risk of heat can be found at pharmacists or the NHS 111 helpline.

Tory leadership frontrunner Liz Truss weighed in after two water companies announced hosepipe bans and others warned they may need to follow suit following the driest eight months from November to June since 1976.

She said: “My view is that we should be tougher on the water companies and that there hasn’t been enough action to deal with these leaky pipes which have been there for years."