The Met Office said the temperature today could increase and it is likely to remain very warm overnight.

The previous record high for the year was 30.5C (87F) in Wisley, Surrey, on 26 June.

As temperatures rose, tourists in Cambridge enjoyed punting tours while using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun's rays.

London's Granary Square was also packed while down on the south coast in Kent, people took the chance to cool off with some water sports.

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It does not look as though the hot weather is here to stay though, as temperatures will start to lower over the weekend - and there is the possibility of thunderstorms overnight into Saturday.

Saturday's highest temperature is expected to be 28 or 29C (84F), with the warmest spells likely to be seen in the east and south east of England.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "There is going to be a mixture of weather on offer this weekend so I think the main takeaway is that Sunday is going to be the drier of the two days, and more comfortable for being outdoors for any length of time."

"Tomorrow [Saturday] we will see a breakdown in the weather, so we are going to see a change with heavy rain in the west."

The south east of England "could see a few thunderstorms," he added, with the rain then expected to "sweep eastwards" and lead to "fresher conditions for Sunday".

Next week is also expected to be cooler with temperatures in the low to mid twenties.