The Met Office has issued an ‘extreme’ weather warning with temperatures expected to reach as high as 35C in Surrey and Hampshire this weekend, “posing a potential risk to life”.

A rare ’amber’ warning, the second most severe warning issued by the Met Office, is valid across the London and south east England region for the entirety of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

It is also only the second time the Met Office has issued a specific ‘extreme heat’ warning, and comes after highs of 310C were recorded on Monday and Tuesday.

Forecasters warn “exceptionally high temperatures are possible and cumulative effects of warm nights and hot days are expected to bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure”.

This week’s hot weather has already impacted NHS services locally, with both Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and South Central Ambulance Services declaring ‘critical incidents’ this week.

Only patients with life-threatening conditions and injuries are currently being admitted to QA’s emergency department, with non-emergency cases being redirected to urgent treatment centres including at Petersfield.

Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only. Seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.