SUSSEX is bracing itself for a heatwave this week as temperatures soar across the county.

Vulnerable people are being warned to stay indoors and take care as parts are expected to hit 30C today or tomorrow.

The Met Office said there was an "80% probability" of heatwave conditions between noon today and 6am on Thursday.

Overnight temperatures are also expected to be higher than average.

The forecast has triggered a 'Level 2' alert with the Met Office warning: “Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease."

Tomorrow is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures will drop again on Thursday when heavy rain is expected for the county before climbing again ahead of the weekend.

The heatwave is caused by a warm front and tropical continental air mass from Europe pushing across the country - bringing with it high temperatures and humidity.

Temperatures in some parts of England will be similar to those in Rome and Florida, and higher than in Rio and Bucharest.

Marjorie Gillespie from Care UK, which runs the NHS Brighton Station Health Centre in Queens Road, said: “Whether you are planning to stay in England or travel further afield, summer is a great time to unwind and relax – but it’s also a time to keep up your defences against seasonal health issues.

“As always, prevention is far better than cure and a little forward planning is time well-spent.”

Hospitals, social workers and other staff have been put on alert to help those who might be struggling as temperatures soar.

Paul Cosford, director for health protection at Public Health England, said: "Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it's important to look out for them - help them stay hydrated with plenty of cool drinks, and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.

“Try to keep bedroom and living spaces cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

“Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.”

There will also be misery for hay fever sufferers, with the pollen count forecast to be very high in Sussex over the next two days.