A red weather warning has been issued for parts of Kent next week as temperatures are predicted to near 40C.

The Met Office is warning of adverse health effects that could lead to serious illness or danger to life.

A rare level four warning of a national emergency has also been issued by the Met Office, which is the forecaster's highest alert.

This is reached when "a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system".

The forecaster warns, at this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.

It recommends changes to work practices and daily routines, suggesting people only travel if necessary.

There is a high risk of serious illness and danger to life – which is not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat.

“It’s going to be a lovely weekend but there are also warnings that we could see some record-breaking temperatures."

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

There is a "high risk" of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to power cuts and loss of other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services.

Delays on roads and road closures are predicted, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with "significant welfare issues" for those who experience even moderate delays.

People heading to Europe are being warned that the weekend will be busy with large levels of tourist and freight traffic at the ports.

Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) – a partnership of organisations working on a co-ordinated response to emergencies in the county – advises people to book ahead, check with your operator, allow extra time, pack plenty of water and supplies, check your vehicle’s tyre pressures, oil and water in advance and stay up to date on the travel news. For more, click here.

There will be no turn-up-and-go tickets available on Eurotunnel or the ferries out of Dover.

Drivers are reminded Operation Brock is in place on the M20 while there could also be traffic controls at Brenley Corner, Faversham, to ensure EU-bound HGVs using the M2 are returned to the M20 to re-join the Brock system.

KRF strategic planning lead Simon Jones said: “It’s going to be a lovely weekend but there are also warnings that we could see some record-breaking temperatures.

“What we would really like people to do if they’re travelling in Kent, either heading off to Europe or visiting one of our many wonderful attractions, is to plan that journey. Bring plenty of water with you, plus snacks and any medication and other essential supplies.

"Stay informed, follow the signs and help us to help you get to your destination as quickly and as safely as possible. We thank everyone for their ongoing patience.”

Gravesend, Dartford and parts of Medway all fall under the the red weather warning.

For the rest of the county, the Met Office's amber weather warning for extreme heat was extended to next week with forecasters expecting England's sweltering temperatures to still be here next week.

The rare warning, first triggered on Monday as the mercury crept past 30C, states that there could be a danger to life or potential serious illness as a result of the ongoing heatwave.

And the Met Office is predicting temperatures to soar to 36C on Tuesday in some parts of Kent, including Canterbury and Faversham.

It was initially expected that the unusually hot weather England and some parts of Wales are currently experiencing would peak this Sunday and temperatures would then drop considerably after Monday.

But forecasters at the Met Office altered their predictions warning this week's heatwave is expected to continue past the weekend.

Back in February, another red warning was issues when Storm Eunice swept across the county.

Temperatures are now expected to peak sometime between Monday and Tuesday - prompting an extension of the amber warning for extreme heat until 11.59pm on Tuesday night.

In Kent, current Met Office predictions for Tuesday forecast temperatures of 36C in Maidstone, 35C in Gravesend, 36C for Canterbury and 36C for Sittingbourne.

While many have been enjoying the unusually prolonged spell of good weather, a lengthy stretch of above-average temperatures is not without its problems.

People have been urged to look out for the elderly and vulnerable after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) expressed concerns.