Weather: Hottest Day Of The Year So Far

The Met office has confirmed Tuesday was the hottest day of the year so far, after temperatures of 29.7 Celsius (85 Fahrenheit) were recorded in Charlwood, Surrey.

The temperature beats the 29.3C recorded at Achnagart (Highlands) on May 25 but is still several degrees short of the all-time July record of 36.5C (97.7F) recorded in Wisley, Surrey, in 2006.

Sky's Isobel Lang said it would be cooler and breezier around the coasts, and temperatures would drop again toward the end of the week.

"The heat will last all week across the South, although the risk of thunderstorms is set to increase during Friday, threatening the opening ceremony," she said.

"During the first weekend of Olympic events, it is going to feel much cooler with temperatures nearer 21C (69.8F) on Saturday with sunny spells and a northwesterly breeze.

"Sunday could be a little cooler still, with the chance of a few showers. The jet stream has returned to its more 'usual' summer position to the northwest of the British Isles this week, with high pressure bringing the sunshine and heat across the South.

"However, it does look as though it will meander southwards again during the coming week bringing cooler and more changeable conditions for the first week of the Games.

"Some drier, sunnier spells are still likely and it will be worth keeping an eye on the latest forecasts for those planning on watching the events."

The current hot spell comes after weeks of seemingly relentless rain in some parts of the UK. The wettest April to June period on record led to widespread flooding, disruption and deaths.

The outlook is good news for organisers of the London Olympics, as the hot and dry conditions are set to remain for Friday's opening ceremony.

Forecaster Helen Rossington said: "It's likely that it will be dry for the opening ceremony but there's a small chance of a shower."

Greater Anglia train services struggled to cope with the heatwave. The train operator put speed restrictions in place and cancelled some services due to overhead lines expanding in high temperatures.

Passengers travelling from London Liverpool Street during the rush hour were also affected.