SUFFOLK: Health workers are warning people to take care in the sun, as weather forecasters said temperatures could climb as high as 30C in the next few days.

Sun worshippers are being urged to avoid risking over exposure in the heat as the fine weather looks set to stay.

The health warnings come after the ambulance service responded to a number of calls to people suffering heat-related problems over the weekend and after the mercury topped 27C yesterday.

Weather expert Joe Osborne, at Weatherquest, said temperatures would continue to stay in the mid to high 20s all week and into the weekend, when we could top 30C.

Speaking last night, he said: “We saw highs today at Wattisham of 27C and even at 6pm we were still seeing the temperature staying that warm.

“The next couple of days we should see the warm weather staying with us.

“It could be cooler because we may see a little more cloud which could bring a few showers at lunchtime.

“But temperatures will still stay around 25C.”

He said Friday was looking “particularly warm” and predicted the mercury could peak in the 30s over the weekend.

“We are looking at an extended period of warm weather. I can’t see temperatures dropping below the mid-20s for the foreseeable future, the next seven to ten days at least,” Mr Osborne added.

But as people enjoy the hot weather the ambulance service is urging people to take precautions.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “Our ambulance crews can be very busy at this time of the year, seeing people who might have overdone it in the heat.

“The warmer weather is something we all take advantage of, and by following just a few simple precautions, people can enjoy the sun safely.”

He said the most vulnerable in hot weather were either the very young, older people or those with existing medical problems.

He added: “In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse and of course cause sunburn.

“In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.”

The ambulance service encouraged people to wear hats, stick to shady areas when outside, drink plenty of water and take particular care when the sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3pm.

Those with serious health problems are advised to avoid going outside and everyone is encouraged to wear high-factor sun cream, topping it up regularly.