ESSEX residents have been urged to take extra care in the rising temperatures as a heatwave causes the county to sizzle.

With the mercury expected to hit 30C on Wednesday, Public Health England has warned the most vulnerable, including older people, young children and babies, could be at risk.

It comes as the Met Office issued a level three heatwave action alert for eastern England - triggered when threshold temperatures have been reached for one day and the night.

The alert means there is a 90% chance the maximum threshold temperature for the region, 30C in the East, will also be met the following day.

A level two alert has been issued for London and the South East - meaning there is a 60% chance the maximum threshold temperatures of 32C and 31C respectively could be met.

Met Office meteorologist, Emma Sharples, said the temperatures are expected to be the highest in East Anglia and down to London - reaching up to 30C.

Caused by "warm air pushing up from the continent", the alerts cover from 12pm on Tuesday - where temperatures hit 29.7C in St James Park and 30C in Gravesend, Kent - to 9am on Friday.

Ms Sharples said humid nights can also be expected - with London and the South East unlikely to drop below 20C on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"As we head through this evening and overnight the band of cloud in the north starts to spread its way further south and east," said added.

"There won't be much rain left in it by the time it gets further south but it does mean the area of the country that will see cloud is bigger.

"Parts of northern and central England, Wales - will be a lot cloudier, and as a result a bit cooler with temperatures in the low 20s (on Wednesday).

"Whereas East Anglia and the south east again look like having a largely sunny day and quite warm again so we will be looking at similar temperatures."

The heat has prompted PHE to urge people to take extra care during the hot days and warm nights.

Public health medicine consultant, Dr Thom Waite said: "Now the heatwave has arrived, people will likely be out and about more enjoying the summer sun.

"That's why it's really important to remember that there are some people whose health suffers in hot weather.

"Older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children may all feel the ill-effects of heat over the coming days.

"We're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at-risk this summer. If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any help."

Dr Waite said the hot weather can "put extra strain on bodies" and urged people to "stay hydrated" during the hot spell.

Top PHE tips to keep cool include closing curtains, keeping out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, wearing loose fitting cotton clothes and applying suncream.

As well as looking out for others during the heatwave, the body advised to not leave anyone or animals in a closed, parked vehicle.