Today is the hottest day

The heatwave made today the hottest day of the year so far, forecasters have said.

The mercury levels soared to 34.3C (93F) in Jersey by 2pm local time today - beating July 15's high of 33.6C (91F) at Wisley in Surrey.

As British apples arrived in the shops 10 days early, the sunshine brought with it predictions of a bumper year for ice-cream sales and the finest vintage of English wine.

Paul Knightley, a forecaster with PA WeatherCentre, said that while there had been some cloud around today, the hot weather records could well be broken tomorrow.

He said: "Tomorrow, we should see a lot more in the way of sunshine with temperatures of 35-36C around the London area, with possibly a 37C (nearly 99F) somewhere.

"We could see the record go tomorrow - it's going to be a very, very close thing."

A reading of 37.2C (99F) would be a new UK record, beating 37.1C (98.8F), set in Cheltenham on August 3, 1990.

Mr Knightley said there was even a chance the mercury could tip over the 100F mark but added: "That would be really pushing it but it's not going to be far off."

Today's hottest weather on the mainland was 33C (91F) at Gatwick Airport this afternoon.

The Isle of Anglesey, north Wales, recorded its highest-ever temperature today with 32.9C.

The heatwave looks set to continue through the weekend and into next week, with temperatures again in the mid-30s.