WE are used to complaining about the cold British weather but over the next 48 hours the country will be experiencing temperatures to rival places in Cyprus, Spain and even Morocco.

WE are used to complaining about the cold British weather but over the next 48 hours the country will be experiencing temperatures to rival places in Cyprus, Spain and even Morocco.

The heat is expected to become so intense that people are being warned to drink plenty of water, not to over exert themselves and to stay indoors at peak times of the day if possible.

Hospitals across the region are on high alert with plans in place, particularly for elderly and vulnerable people, who could become the first to suffer when the heat takes hold.

Acute hospitals have adopted a Heatwave Plan with advice from the Department of Health which involves ensuring there are “cooling” rooms for elderly people as there is now a 60pc chance of a heatwave.

Doctors' surgeries, community hospitals and care homes are also preparing for possible illnesses or injuries relating to the weather.

John Law from the UEA's Weatherquest Centre said: “The weather will be very humid, hot and muggy. We are looking at temperatures of at least 26C here which is very warm for this time of year when we normally see about 18C.

“The problem is temperatures overnight will not drop so we are looking at a couple of warm and uncomfortable nights. It will obviously be hotter in places like Norwich than by the coast where there is a bit of breeze.

“Once we get to Thursday we will start to lose the very high temperatures and then there will be thundery showers. Up until then we are telling people to avoid going out in the middle of the day, to keep their homes well ventilated with windows open and not to do too much exercise.”

The heat is especially dangerous for the very young, older people or those with serious illnesses. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn have all got measures in place for the next two days.