The borough is set to be bathed in a sweltering heat this week as temperatures reach over 30 degrees.

The Met Office has forecast potential heatwave conditions for all parts of England except the north east, and has declared a Level 2 Heat-health alert.

In Barking and Dagenham, residents are expected to see temperatures of up to 31 degrees on Wednesday, with the mercury unlikely to dip beneath the 20 degrees mark.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director for Public Health England, said:

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the good weather safely. Older people, young children, 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 by helping them to take plenty of cool drinks, for example.

“There are simple steps that people can take to keep safe in the heat and these include:

- keeping out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

- applying sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection

- wearing UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes

- wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf

- drinking lots of cool drinks

- looking out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies, and those with serious illnesses

- never leaving anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, or animals.

“Try to keep indoor areas as cool as possible by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and open 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.

“Many members of the Muslim community may be fasting during the current period of Ramadan.

“During hot weather it’s important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water. The Muslim Council of Britain and the NHS have published lots of useful information for those likely affected during this period.”