Brits bask in glorious sunshine on HOTTEST day of the year… but it’s not looking good for the bank holiday
Temperatures reach 33.8°C as thousands flock to the coast
TODAY is the hottest day of the year so far and the warmest August 24 on record with sizzling temperatures reaching the mid 33.8Cs.
Dazzling sunshine is beaming down on most of the country and betting company Ladbrokes has slashed the odds of temperatures reaching 35C by the end of the week to 4/1.
In Cavendish temperatures of 33.8C were recorded making it the hottest day of the year so far.
In Heathrow temperatures of 33C were recorded, while much of the south east broke into 30Cs.
For the rest of the country it has still been a warm sunny day.
But, forecasters warned there could be thunderstorms in the south this evening, which will push northwards overnight.
Tomorrow it will be very warm in the south east, while other areas will see cloudy skies with outbreaks of rain possible.
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Today's scorching temperatures saw thousands head to the beach to enjoy what could be the final heatwave of summer.
For those stuck at work firms were urged to relax dress codes and make sure workers have access to plenty of drinking water.
The NHS also issued a warning reminding people to stay in the shade, keep hydrated and wear loose, cool clothing.
Network Rail is expected to halve the speed of commuter trains tonight due to heat threatening to buckle rails.
While the hot weather is also expected to increase road accident call outs.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We expected around 75 per cent more call-outs for accidents as drivers got distracted by the heat. Motorists should focus on driving, not getting a tan.”
The bank holiday could see rain as the scorching mid-week temperatures come to an end.
It's also predicted that rail delays and a last minute holiday rush will spark bank holiday travel chaos.
Bookies Ladbrokes is offering odds of 6/4 that this month will go down as the hottest August ever.
As records look set to be broken The Sun has taken a look at the country's hottest and coldest months and asked how well to Brits cope in a heatwave.
Officials have also warned that toxic air is set to seep up from the continent tomorrow.
Government officials are predicting a pollution surge on both Thursday and Saturday.
Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of The British Lung Foundation, said: "If you have a lung condition, we advise reducing or avoiding strenuous, outdoor exercise.
“Stay away from pollution hotspots, and if you're getting wheezy or coughing from walking outside, get in touch with your doctor.
"Air pollution worsens existing lung conditions, increases the risk of getting lung cancer and impairs child lung development."
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