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
Alan Brown's dog Dyson is used to the heat, having spent five years living in Portugal.
Dyson's secret? Shade! And the terrier has managed to find some in Mr Brown's garden in Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire.
Image source, Alan BrownMeanwhile, cocker spaniel Oscar has taken to the water at a park in Birmingham according to owner and BBC journalist David Cosgrove.
Applause for John the Northumberland sheep shearer working up a sweat to cool down the sheep
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We're at Kew Gardens where it's 34C
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Jessica Labhart
BBC News
The sun's good news for many businesses, especially if it lasts.
Florist Mel, based near Birmingham's New Street station says it bodes well for today's trade.
"It puts people in a better mood so they're more likely to pick up a bunch," he said.
"There's the graduations on at the moment too, so I'm selling quite a lot."
To help those out and about in the city centre today, a pub in St Albans is offering free iced water to anyone passing by.
The Peahen, which stands at the crossroads where London Road meets Holywell Hill, has been a stopping point on the way to London for centuries, and is keeping up with the tradition by setting up a stand with a large jug of water and glasses.
We have confirmed that it is JUST water!
A spokesman for the pub said: "The water has cucumber in it to give some cooling nutrition and is free for all."
Image source, The Peahen
Vanessa Pearce
BBC News
This lucky rabbit, Peter, has been given an ice pack to snuggle up to as the temperatures rise at Hatton Country Park in Warwickshire.
Ice cubes and lollies are helping to keep animals cool.
Alpacas at the site have also been given a timely trim to help keep them comfortable.
Simon Ward
East Midlands Today Reporter
East Midlands Trains services are slower today and some are cancelled due to heat affecting the tracks.
Bottles of water are being given to passengers at Nottingham railway station heading off on their journeys.
For those hoping they might be able to duck out of work because it is too hot in the office - bad news.
In the UK there is no maximum temperature that a workplace is allowed to be (the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Approved Code of Practice, external says the minimum should be 16C though).
Image source, Getty ImagesThe HSE states the temperature in the workplace should be reasonable, but a what constitutes reasonable is a matter of some debate.
ACAS offers the following advice: "If you have air conditioning switch it on, if you have blinds or curtains use them to block out sunlight and if you're working outside wear appropriate clothing and use sun screen to protect from sunburn.
"It is also important to drink plenty of water and employers must provide you with suitable drinking water in the workplace. It is important to drink water regularly throughout the day and not to wait until you are thirsty as this is an indication that you are already dehydrated."
Charley Adams
BBC News Online
There's only one way to travel if you want to get from mainland Devon to Burgh Island and that's on the sea tractor.
The island - frequented by writer Agatha Christie - is cut off twice a day from the Bigbury on Sea beach by the incoming tide.
Devon is lagging behind in the heatwave stakes with a high temperature of 25C predicted, but that should make it a bit more comfortable for hundreds of holidaymakers on the beaches at Bigbury and nearby Bantham.
Wondering what to eat and drink during a heatwave?
Well our friends at BBC goodfood have come up with this guide, external.
In short, drinks lots of water before you feel thirsty and eat strawberries and lettuce (not necessarily together).
Image source, Getty Images
Daniel Wainwright
BBC England Data Unit
Passengers using the London Underground are being advised to carry water with them and warned that heat might affect services.
Transport for London (TfL) said engineers had been working to reduce the risk of the track buckling when the temperature rises.
However, it warned temporary speed restrictions may be imposed on some services meaning journeys take longer than usual.
The hottest Tube lines are likely to be Bakerloo and Central. Figures for July 2017 showed the average temperature throughout the month was in excess of 30C.
Image source, Getty ImagesPassengers on the Tube are being advised to carry water in case of delays
Pip Watts
Reporter, BBC Radio Nottingham
Parents and children looking to cool off on the hottest day of the year so far will be disappointed to find a Nottingham paddling pool is set to stay shut.
The popular pool, on the Victoria Embankment in the Meadows, is closed while Nottingham City Council repairs the pump after it "seized up".
A new pump has been ordered and the 1950s pool should be back in action within the next week or two.
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Patrols funded by the Greater London Authority will be out in Bexley today providing suncream and water to the homeless.
Councils in south east London have made it clear that extreme sunshine, much like freezing temperatures seen over winter, causes concern for those sleeping rough.
Charity Crisis says rough sleepers are at risk of sunstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion during heatwaves.
Fraser, a rescued greyhound, has found a way to stay cool.
Owner Susan Atkinson said her pet is "chilling out" with a cool gel mat.
Image source, Susan Atkinson
Rob England
BBC England Data Unit
Heading to the beach today? I don't blame you.
Up and down the country we're spoilt for choice on sand and stony shores.
This year 137 Seaside Awards were given out to Britain's best beaches by the charity Keep Britain Tidy.
Here's a list of 18 who newly joined the 2019 awards list:
The other 119 beaches retained their titles from the previous year.
BBC reporter Ed Sault talks about how rail commuters are coping with what is likely to be the hottest day on record in the UK.
People are being urged to help out vulnerable friends, relatives and strangers in the heat.
Age UK has issued guidance for older adults, external to stay safe while homeless charities are handing out water and sun cream.
Shelter has issued the below advice on how to help rough sleepers during the heat.
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Can we have some sympathy for Sarah Wyatt please?
She's working up a sweat at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest.
Send us your pictures via email to england@bbc.co.uk or on Twitter @BBCEngland, external.
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Vanessa Pearce
BBC News
Hospital staff working in Birmingham are to be given a cool treat today, with sprinkles on.
Ice cream vans will be visiting the Women's and Children's hospitals to help them keep cool, the NHS trust's boss has announced.
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In true northern style, street sweeper Andrew Edwards, 57, was keeping the sun off his head with a flat cap.
He described working in the city centre during the heatwave as "murder" but plans to keep cool by taking regular breaks in the shade and drinking plenty of water.
Meanwhile, these glaziers appeared to be making an early start on their window-fitting task, perhaps before the heat reaches its peak this afternoon.
