Temperature hits summer's high

Temperatures reached 28C in many places in the UK

The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, according to Met Office figures.

A high of 29.1C (84.4F) was reached at Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, at 1435 BST - beating the previous UK high for this year by almost 1C.

Temperatures are currently about five degrees above average for this time of year, when they normally hit 21C.

The previous high for the year was in London on 1 July when temperatures reached 28.2C.

The weather is predicted to stay warm over the weekend with the possible risk of a few showers in places.

Many are expected to flock to the seaside and supermarkets are stocking up on barbecue foods and salads.

One major supermarket said it expected to sell up to 600,000 melons nationwide this weekend and shift up to 800 cucumbers per minute.

The highest UK temperature stands at 38.5C (101.3F)set in Brogdale, Kent, in 2003.