Updates from Thursday 25 July 2019
UK has hottest July day on record, with 38.1C recorded at Cambridge
"Heat-related incidents" cause train delays and cancellations across UK
Europe is also experiencing the heatwave, with Paris reaching 40.6C
Network Rail warns of disruption where tracks are at risk of buckling
Forecasters say the heat could lead to downpours in some areas
We've received reports of rain in Worthing and Lewes, with the skies clouding over in Brighton.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thundstorms between 15:00 BST on Thursday and 04:00 on Friday.
Today’s temperatures are about to reach peak level, but people in Newcastle are not tempted to go in the shade yet.
Jessica McDonald is spending the day enjoying the view from the Millennium Bridge.
She said: “We’re just making the most of it while we can. It’s always raining in Newcastle.”
The UK has had its hottest July day on record - how does the current warm spell compare with previous years?
Read MoreTrams around Manchester are running on the go-slow due to the heat, with passengers warned to expect delays.
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Tram users are also advised to take water along for their journeys.
Metrolink trams have no air conditioning, of course.
Police have been called to Brockwell Lido in south-east London after reports of 500 people trying to get in.
Management said: "Brockwell Lido is currently at full capacity and all facilities are closed."
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A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to Brockwell Lido to reports of overcrowding.
"Officers attended. Security staff at the lido have closed the doors as a group of 500 people are trying to get in.
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Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
It may not be as hot in Cornwall as in the rest of the country but that's all fine and dandy with the residents.
Cilla and Norman Smith were among hundreds of people enjoying the warm, but not too hot, temperature at their local Portreath beach.
Cilla said: "They can keep their 39 degrees. If it gets too warm here we just go for a walk along the shore.”
Temperatures in Cornwall are not expected to go above 25C today while parts of the south east could still break the all-time record of 38.5C.
Phil Mackie
Midlands correspondent, BBC News
We reckon this will be one of the best places to keep cool today in sweltering Britain.
These children certainly seem to think so, in the fountains on Centenary Square, Birmingham.
Children cooling down by the Library of Birmingham in today's heatwave.
Duncan Leatherdale
BBC News Online
The nation's fountains are braced for a deluge of children (and probably a few adults) hoping to cool off.
Dozens of youngsters have already splashed their way through the water feature at Bristol's Millennium Square.
It's just started pouring down with thunder and lightning in Shropshire.
Weather Watcher Peter Steggles took this picture in Longnor.
At least that'll cool the sheep down.
Image source, Peter Steggles
Pamela Bilalova
BBC Newcastle reporter
Newcastle is getting its fair share of sunshine today, along with the rest of the country.
But the heat didn't stop Ann Wilson and Joan Headrige from getting their 10,000 steps in as they did a long walk from Wallsend to the Quayside.
Ann said: “The weather’s got to be like this for me. I love the heat.”
Staff at a giant ice cream warehouse in Wakefield work in temperatures of -23.5C.
Read MoreRacing has been abandoned at Southwell Races in Nottinghamshire due to the weather.
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Cambridge has joined Northolt and Heathrow as one of the hottest places in the UK - reaching 35.9C (96.62F), while in Woburn in Bedfordshire the temperature reached 35.5C (95.9F) by 13:00.
All are nudging the hottest temperature in the British Isles so far this year – which was 36C (96.8F) in Jersey on Tuesday.
These people in Cambridge are attempting to cool off by taking a punt.
Duncan Leatherdale
BBC News Online
We asked you for pictures of the heatwave and you have met the challenge head on - thank you!
Here is a selection, we will use more throughout the day. You can send pictures to england.bbc.co.uk or tweet us at @BBCEngland, external.
Image source, Claire Braddy
Image source, Jayne Bradshaw
Image source, Charlie Pitts
Image source, Jude Mahon
Sophia Seth
BBC South Today
We've been at an ice cream factory in the New Forest where they are churning out products for ice cream parlours like this one... Mmm...
BBC cameraman Andrew Tett and reporter Sophia Seth had a factory tour earlier
Image source, New Forest Ice Cream
Charley Adams
BBC News Online
Beach-goers were stuck in vehicles for over an hour trying to get to and from Bantham Beach in South Devon on Wednesday evening, local businesses have said.
Queues are already building on the roads to the beach - one of Devon's most popular - as swimmers, sunbathers and families enjoy the best of the summer.
"We have been selling lots of ice cream and beer. It looks very enjoyable for everyone out there," said Ethan and Becca, employees at a nearby food business.
It's hard to believe but this photo isn't of Miami, Curacao or Senegal, but is actually Seaton Carew in Hartlepool at 05:00.
Huge thanks to Anthony Bate for sending it in.
Image source, Anthony BateDuncan Leatherdale
BBC News Online
At noon, the temperature at Heathrow Airport reached 35.1C making it the hottest day of the year for everywhere in the British Isles, with the exception of Jersey which saw 36C on Tuesday.
Well surprise surprise, it has gone up again to a whopping 36.9C at Heathrow.
The highest all-time July record was 36.7C at Heathrow on 1 July 2015, while the highest ever was 38.5C in Faverhsam, Kent, on 10 August 2003.
Just a reminder if one were needed, it is expected to hit 39C in south east England later today. Eek.
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BBC reporter Ed Sault has continued his hot and sweaty train trip to London Waterloo where temperatures are going through the roof...
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Nick Smith
BBC News Online
Just when you think it can't get any hotter...
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service's Long Eaton crew are out conducting training drills.
Hydration is definitely needed!
Image source, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service