Temperatures have reached their highest level in September for more than 100 years.

Forecasters measured a high of 34.4C at Gravesend in Kent on Tuesday afternoon, making it the warmest September day since 1911.

But, with temperatures forecast to remain high over southern Britain for the next couple of days, health authorities have kept a heat warning in place.

The Met Office is forecasting "hot and humid" conditions in the East of England, the South East, London and the East Midlands and has issued a level 2 heatwave alert.

Temperatures of up to 30C in and around London and 28C elsewhere in southern and central England have been forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.


Image: A paddleboarder and her dog on the lake at New Brighton, Wirral

The warning does not apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland, where temperatures are forecast to be in the mid to high teens, or Wales or the South West, where they will reach the low to mid 20s.

It comes as a Champions League match between Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach was called off due to heavy rain amid a separate Met Office severe weather warning for heavy rain in northern England and southeast Scotland.

Chief meteorologist Paul Gunderson said: "It is going to be a very warm few days across parts of the UK.

"Night time temperatures are also looking warm with the South East dropping to just the high teens.

"The heat is expected to be more widespread both during the day and overnight on Wednesday, although peak temperatures probably not quite as high as on Tuesday."

Image: People enjoying the sun in Bournemouth, Dorset

In response, Public Health England has urged people - particularly the elderly, young children, babies and those with underlying health issues - to take measures to stay cool.

Advice includes drinking plenty of water, closing curtains to keep rooms cooler, walking in the shade, wearing loose fitting cotton clothes and avoiding physical exertion in the hot weather.

Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE, said: "Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there's nothing to really worry about.

"But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.

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"To keep homes and sleeping areas cool at night remember to close curtains on windows that face the sun during the day, once the sun is off windows open them up to get a breeze and think about turning off electrical devices all over the home as they can generate unwanted heat too."

The current record for the highest temperature in the UK in September was set back in 1906.

Temperatures reached 35.6C in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, on 2 September that year.