The alert, which indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, runs from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June.

An amber alert has been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA said: ‘Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.

‘It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.'

This is the second time a red HHA has been issued, the first having been issued in July 2022.