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BRITS have enjoyed the 'hottest day of the year' so far as temperatures soared to nearly 29C today - and it is set to get even hotter.

The scorching temperatures continue today after a weekend of sunshine, seeing the mercury climb to 28.6C at London's Heathrow Airport ahead of the thunderstorms forecast later this week.

🔵 Read our UK weather live blog for the latest forecasts

Ladies catch some rays at Ruislip Lido in north-west London
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Ladies catch some rays at Ruislip Lido in north-west LondonCredit: Alamy
Friends enjoy the hot weather by the Thames at Richmond
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Friends enjoy the hot weather by the Thames at RichmondCredit: LNP
Early morning swimmers take a dip in Brighton
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Early morning swimmers take a dip in BrightonCredit: Alamy
Durdle Door in Dorset was also popular with sun worshippers
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Durdle Door in Dorset was also popular with sun worshippersCredit: ©Graham Hunt

But before the wet weather rains on our parade, temperatures could again exceed themselves midway through the week, as it is expected to hit 30C.

It comes as high pressure makes its way from the Azores island in Portugal, settling across the Midlands and the southeast of England.

It means parts of the UK will be hotter than the Bahamas today, as temperatures in the West Indies holiday hotspot only reach 26C.

The previous record of the hottest day was set almost two weeks ago on June 2, when temperatures of 28.3C were recorded in Northolt in West London.

But Atlantic influence is to be expected to dampen spirits over the northern and western parts of England, as it brings over cloudier skies and patches of rain.

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Brighton beach is packed once again
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Brighton beach is packed once againCredit: Alamy
Friends cool off with a fan as they stroll along the Thames at Richmond
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Friends cool off with a fan as they stroll along the Thames at RichmondCredit: LNP
A group of friends enjoy a day trip to Bournemouth beach
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A group of friends enjoy a day trip to Bournemouth beachCredit: BNPS
A woman enjoying a sunshine stroll in Hyde Park with her pooch
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A woman enjoying a sunshine stroll in Hyde Park with her poochCredit: LNP
Crowds enjoyed the South of England Show 2021 in Sussex
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Crowds enjoyed the South of England Show 2021 in SussexCredit: Alamy

The UK's sunshine is then set to spectacularly grind to a halt as a MONTH'S worth of rain is forecast to fall in just two hours.

Up to 50mm could fall in some areas on Wednesday - equating to the average amount in South East England for the entire month of June.

The cold front sinking south eastwards is introducing cooler air, prompting cloudier and wetter conditions to northern England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Clear spells persist down south, while showers will begin to introduce themselves in the North.

But the "thundery breakdown" forecast from 6pm on Wednesday has forced the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for some parts of the UK.

Lucimora Goiania cools off in Bournemouth
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Lucimora Goiania cools off in BournemouthCredit: PA
People make their way along the Long Walk in Windsor
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People make their way along the Long Walk in WindsorCredit: PA
People enjoy punt tours along the River Cam in Cambridge
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People enjoy punt tours along the River Cam in CambridgeCredit: PA
Thousands of people flocked to the beaches of Bournemouth, Dorset
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Thousands of people flocked to the beaches of Bournemouth, DorsetCredit: BNPS
It has been another scorcher in southwest London today
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It has been another scorcher in southwest London todayCredit: LNP

Although there is "significant uncertainty" about the location and timing, the thunderstorms are expected to move across the country and potentially eastern Wales.

Meteorologists have warned the "intense" weather could bring torrential downpours, hail, lightning and strong winds from late on Wednesday through to Friday morning.

Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell said: "Large swathes of England and Wales could potentially see some heavy downpours on Thursday.

"After that, it will bring in fresher air from the West and so that will clear away the hot weather.

"The thunderstorm warning covers quite a large area of England and Wales. Closer to the time we will have a better idea of where exactly they should be," she continued.

It comes after a weekend of fun in the sun, seeing Brits flock to parks, beaches, and pubs to soak up the rays, before celebrating England's first Euro 2020 win in scorching temperatures.

Zoe Howell throws a bucket of water over Joshua, a New Forest Pony near Ringwood in the New Forest, Hants
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Zoe Howell throws a bucket of water over Joshua, a New Forest Pony near Ringwood in the New Forest, HantsCredit: Solent
Brits flocked to the golden sandy beaches of Camber in East Sussex this weekend
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Brits flocked to the golden sandy beaches of Camber in East Sussex this weekendCredit: Alamy
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