UK records hottest July 1 EVER

Britons up and down the country are struggling in unbearable heat and officials are urging people to stay out of the sun as temperatures continue to head towards a stifling 36C (97F).

The sun rises over fishermen setting off for a day's fishing on the North Sea from Cullercoats on Tyneside at the start of what is forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far. Forecasters said today could be the hottest day in the last nine years

The mercury barely dropped in England and Wales overnight making sleeping a misery for thousands after the UK sizzled in scorching 30C (86F) temperatures yesterday – the hottest day of the year so far.

Commuters are facing suffocating conditions on London's transport system with thermometers recording temperatures of 38C on buses in the capital and 34C (93F) on the Central Tube line last night - above the 30C (86F) legal limit for transporting cattle

Public Health England has issued the following advice on how people can stay safe in the high temperatures:

• Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Protect against sunburn and use on sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent damage to your eyes.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat to keep cool.
• Quench a thirst and drink plenty of cold fluids. If you feel dizzy or develop a headache try and rehydrate, using rehydration sachets from a pharmacy if necessary.
• Do not do too much exercise - use the hot weather as an excuse to take a day off.
• Never leave anyone or an animal in a closed, parked car.
• Keep your house airy - close curtains when the sun is shining and open windows during cooler parts of the day and at night. Turning off non-essential lights and electrical items will also help lower the temperature.
• Muslims observing Ramadan should take extra care and drink plenty of water between fasts.
• St John Ambulance advises anyone who feels unwell during the hot weather to get somewhere cool and rehydrated as soon as possible, and see a doctor if this does not help.

People flocked to Portishead Open Air Pool near Bristol to take a dip and cool off on the hottest day of the year so far