SUFFOLK is set to sizzle in the sun this week with experts predicting a Mediterranean style heatwave.But while many may welcome the soaring temperatures health bosses are urging people - particularly the very young and old - to be sensible and keep themselves cool.

SUFFOLK is set to sizzle in the sun this week with experts predicting a Mediterranean style heatwave.

But while many may welcome the soaring temperatures health bosses are urging people - particularly the very young and old - to be sensible and keep themselves cool.

Forecasters predict a week of hot, humid weather, although thunderstorms could be on the way at the end of it.

Yesterday's glorious sunshine saw the county's temperatures equal anything 2009 has had to offer so far.

Weatherman Ken Blowers said: 'It was one of the hottest days this year at 76F (24C) in Ipswich. The 60-year average for June is 66F (19C).

'The British Isles is bathed in hot air, with very warm to hot, humid weather due over the coming few days.'

'It's unusual to get this far into the year without reaching 80F (26C).

'In the coming week there's a chance we could get heavy thundery downpours at any time, but they are more likely as we get towards the end of the week.'

Meanwhile, Ladbrokes have cut the odds on record-breaking temperatures as Britain prepared for a heatwave.

The bookmaker has reduced the odds of the mercury rising above the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK from 8/1 to 7/1.

Thermometers reached 38.5C (101.3F) in Kent in 2003.

Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "If the forecasters are to be believed the thermometer could hit treble figures more times than England's batsman this summer.

"A nationwide gamble could seriously burn the bookies and see profits evaporate overnight."

The Met Office has issued a 'heat health' warning for this week, with night time temperatures in some areas due to remain as high as 18C (64.4F).

It is expecting some of the hottest days of the summer so far and said there is a 60 per cent chance of temperatures reaching 32C (89.6F).

The Department of Health said the elderly and young children were most at risk from heat stroke in hot weather.

It advised staying out of the sun, avoiding going out in the hottest part of the day and strenuous activities, and drinking plenty of water.