Spring heat in the West comes with warnings

Longleat in Wiltshire was one of the attractions that has benefitted from sunshine this week

Thursday could be the hottest day of the year as the current spell of warm weather continues.

Forecasters believe temperatures in the south east of England could break the current record for 1 May, which was set in 1990.

Tourist attractions and coastal resorts in the West have proved popular this week as people escaped the heat of the towns and cities.

But the hot weather comes with warnings over water safety and fire risks.

Plenty of people were enjoying the sunshine at places like Weston-super-Mare

Elsewhere in Somerset, this couple from Taunton were enjoying the view at Watchet Harbour

As temperatures have risen this week, the Canal & River Trust has warned people to be cautious with inland waterways, however tempting the thought of a dip may be.

The Canal & River Trust, the waterways charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is urging people to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather.

The trust said nearly two thirds of accidental drownings in the UK in 2023 happened in places such as canals, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

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Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at the trust, said: "It's important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. The consequences can be devastating.

"Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, can look really inviting but you can't tell what is below the surface. Even if you are familiar with a stretch of water, it doesn't mean there aren't risks.

"The water often isn't clear, and you won't be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water."

Avon Fire and Rescue Service has also reiterated its safety warnings about staying safe near water.

The Royal Crescent in Bath also proved to be a popular sunbathing spot

The fine weather has drawn climbers to the Avon Gorge

In one park in Wiltshire, disposable barbecues have been banned due to damage caused.

The move has come in after benches were damaged at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon.

Wayne Jones, duty manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, warned that flames can spread "very quickly" at the moment.

One cyclist paused on Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor to admire the view

Sunbathers took the chance to relax in front of Gloucester Cathedral

Hot air balloons took off from Victoria Park in Bath earlier this week

These geese were staying close to the water at Witchelstowe, Swindon

Henleaze Lake, a members-only spot in north Bristol, has proved a popular cooling-off spot

Green spaces such as these beside the Clifton Suspension Bridge were popular for sunbathers

This sea of buttercups was photographed in Taunton

This seagull was enjoying some of the best views in Bristol, including the colourful houses in Hotwells, after finding a comfy spot by the SS Great Britain on the harbour.