The hottest day of the year so far has been provisionally recorded in all four UK nations, with Northern Ireland reaching the highest temperature ever recorded, the Met Office has said.
Ballywatticock, in County Down, Northern Ireland, saw a maximum of 31.2C, while 30.7C was recorded at Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, England, although temperatures could rise further this afternoon.
Usk, in Monmouthshire, Wales, reached 29C, and 28.2C was recorded in Threave, in the Dumfries and Galloway region of Scotland.
But the Met Office said temperatures could rise yet higher in England and south Wales on Sunday as the summer heatwave continues. Tom Morgan, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures are expected to increase even further on Sunday, reaching highs of 33C in the south of the UK.”
He added that an extended hot spell of weather is expected to last for much of the week ahead: “It’s going to mean that people are really going to feel the effects of the heat as we go through this week.”
Thousands have flocked to beaches across the country, including Bournemouth beach in Dorset, where many cooled off in the sea with surfboards and inflatables.
Public Health England (PHE) and the Met Office have warned people to take care during the hot spell, advising people to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen and not to leave children or pets in cars.
PHE urged people to look out for others who may be struggling in the heat, such as older people and those who live alone.
The RAC has also warned drivers to be careful during a busy weekend on the roads and to check that their car is road-ready before setting off.