Hottest Weekend Of Year: Brits Soak Up Sun

Sun lovers are expected to be out in force today as Britain swelters on the hottest weekend of the year.

The mini-heatwave is expected to last until Tuesday, with balmy conditions packing out seaside towns as sun-starved Britons finally enjoy Mediterranean conditions after a summer of rain.

Most of the UK enjoyed temperatures in the high 20s on Saturday, but at Cavendish, in Suffolk, the mercury reached 32.4C - making it the hottest day of the year so far.

Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said it would be "muggy, humid, and very hot this afternoon" with a sweltering 31C in London.

But it is due to be far milder in the north, with temperatures of 21C expected in Edinburgh.

As the day goes on, there will be the possibility of thundery showers in the west and northern parts of England.

Sky's Pennock said it would be another muggy night, but temperatures would fall back to the low 20s by Wednesday.

On Saturday, much of East Anglia and the South East saw the hottest temperatures.

Music lovers enjoyed the warm conditions at the V Festival Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

It also ensured a hot start to the Premier League season with hundreds of thousands of fans travelling up and down the country to watch their teams.

And it will prove another ideal setting for the test match at Lords today between England and South Africa.

Many countries in mainland Europe are enjoying hot weather too.

Temperatures in Italy hit the high 30s as the country was hit by its worst drought for 10 years. In Germany, it was well over 30C, and parts of Spain soared to 33C.

The hottest temperatures were recorded in parts of France and Italy, with Paris experiencing highs of almost 39C, and Florence 38C.