Record heat - but thunderstorms loom

Temperatures have soared in London

Parts of Britain have sweltered in the hottest day of the year so far - but thunderstorms and rain are on the way across the country.

Temperatures in London on Monday reached a sizzling 32.2C (more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit), according to BBC Weather Forecaster Helen Young.

It was the warmest July day in the capital since 1989.

But she said the forecast for the next few days is more gloomy with thunderstorms and wet weather on the way across the country while it stays humid.

On Tuesday heavy rain is predicted for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the western areas of England and Wales.

In the East of England there will be sunshine and very humid thunderstorms.

Festival weekend

The sunny weather at the weekend saw thousands head for the coast and countryside.

And competitors and spectators at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester basked in sunshine.

Other events to benefit included outdoor concerts by the Sex Pistols and The Cure, where crowds enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere.

But Scotland and Northern Ireland has seen cooler weather over the weekend, with temperatures as low as 19C accompanied by persistent rain.

A spokesman at Gatwick Airport said it had been one of the busiest weekends of the year for air travel, being the first after the beginning of the school holidays.