West Londoners are being encouraged to be neighbourly by keeping an eye on the young and old during a mini heatwave this week.

Hot and humid conditions with temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius are set to hit the capital from today (September 13), with highs of 28 degrees Celsius through to Thursday (September 15).

Following a muggy night and sticky start to the day there will be sunshine throughout Tuesday (September 13) with humidity and rocketing temperatures into the afternoon, according to the Met Office.

The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health warning for at least two days.

Paul Gunderson, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "It is going to be a very warm few days across parts of the UK.

"Temperatures are expected to reach around 28 degrees Celsius in the south-east, and London could see temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius.

"Night time temperatures are also looking warm with the south-east dropping to just the high teens overnight.

"The heat is expected to be more widespread both during the day and overnight on Wednesday, although peak temperatures probably not quite as high as on Tuesday."

Health warnings have been issued in Hounslow, particularly concerning elderly people and children, most vulnerable in these weather conditions.

Hounslow council is supporting guidance from Public Health England (PHE) to stay safe in the sun and will have social care teams visiting older people, those with dementia and disabilities, while advice has been offered to schools.

Pet owners are also being urged to ensure their animals are kept cool and have enough water.

Back in mid-July, scorching temperatures caused train delays in parts of west London as track temperatures rocketed.

The scorching weather is set to return to the capital this week

Nine top tips for for staying safe in hot weather

  1. look out especially for older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions

  2. drink plenty of water; sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can increase dehydration

  3. keep curtains closed in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler

  4. open windows once it feels cooler outside

  5. never leave infants, young children or animals in a closed, parked vehicle

  6. keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm

  7. walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you are out and about in the heat

  8. avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day

  9. wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes

Councillor Corinna Smart, cabinet member for public health and leisure at Hounslow Council said: “With temperatures very high this week, our staff will be checking up on the vulnerable in our community and we also ask residents to check on their elderly neighbours.

“Anyone who is out and about, should always take a bottle of water with them and try to go in the shade and not be in the direct sun all the time.

"The other tip is of course, to enjoy the lovely weather but just be sensible.”