A yellow heat health alert has been extended for London on what is set to be the "hottest day of the year".

The alert started at 9am on Sunday (August 11) and will now be in place until 9am on Wednesday (August 14).

The alert means those who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly with multiple health conditions, are likely to struggle to cope with the heat, and action may be required within the health and social care sector.

It comes after West Midlands Ambulance Service said that a child had died after being pulled from a canal in Wolverhampton.

Top temperatures could reach 34C-35C in London today (Monday) in a sharp peak of heat and humidity before an expected return to average levels on Tuesday, the Met Office said.

Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: “It’s going to be hot.

“The weather is coming with a lot of humidity, so it will feel quite uncomfortable out there across central eastern England.

“Elsewhere, it’s still going to be warm and humid, but the hottest weather will be in central eastern England.”

The Met Office recommends that people keep curtains closed during the peak of the day and drink lots of water.

The RAC urged drivers to check the coolant and oil levels in their vehicles as high temperatures increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns and cars overheating.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “To prepare for all eventualities, it’s a good idea to carry a few important items with you such as plenty of water and food, sunscreen, an umbrella for shade, and a portable battery pack and cable to keep your mobile phone well charged.

“Those driving vehicles without effective air conditioning should consider delaying any non-essential journeys by car until tomorrow when the Met Office forecast no longer applies or wait to use the car in cooler temperatures this evening.

“This is especially important for vulnerable people, including the very young and elderly, for whom the extremely high temperatures pose a clear health risk. We also want to remind drivers never to leave pets in a hot car, which can prove fatal.”

Full Met Office London weather forecast: Today: A fine start will lead into a very hot day, with lengthy sunny periods and a humid feel given the light winds. While remaining hot, more cloud may develop later, with a small chance of isolated severe thunderstorms. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Tonight: Any remaining heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms should clear eastwards during the evening to leave a fine night. Humid again in the east, however gradually becoming fresher from the west. Minimum temperature 9 °C.

Tuesday: Mainly fine with sunshine, although less hot than Monday. An outside chance of thundery showers grazing the far east initially. Eventually cloudier with some rain in the far west later. Maximum temperature 28 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Becoming more changeable and less hot through this period, as weakening bands of rain spread erratically southeast. Perhaps most widely fine on Friday. Markedly fresher by day and night.