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UK weather: Hottest day of the year as temperatures soar

PA Media Bournemouth BeachPA Media
Bournemouth Beach in Dorset drew crowds of sun-worshippers

The UK has had its hottest day of the year, as temperatures soared across southern England.

The Met Office said Heathrow and Northolt in west London had reached 34C (93.2F) making it one of the warmest June days for about 40 years.

Friday was previously the warmest day of 2019, with temperatures reaching 30C (86F) at Achnagart in the Highlands.

A heatwave across Europe saw France record its all-time highest temperature of 45.9C (114.6F) on Friday.

PA Media A beach netball tournament on Boscombe Beach in BournemouthPA Media
A beach netball tournament on Boscombe Beach in Bournemouth on Saturday
PA Media A swimmer at the Lido in Chipping Norton in OxfordshirePA Media
People in Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire headed to the lido
PA Media A couple make their way across the sand with their belongings on Bournemouth Beach in DorsetPA Media
Some went to Bournemouth Beach in Dorset

People flocking to the seaside were forced to take detours after the M5 was closed in Somerset in both directions because of problems with overhead power cables.

At Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, the temperature was expected to peak at 28C (82.4F), with organisers giving away free sun cream and water to help combat the heat.

Festival-goers reported long queues for water, with freelance journalist Sara Spary saying it took almost an hour to refill her bottle.

Organisers said there was "no water shortage" and the supply was "running as normal", although it has put restrictions on showers as it usually does in hot weather. It said its 850 taps all have a ready supply of water.

PA Media People queue at a water refill point at GlastonburyPA Media
People queue at a water refill point at Glastonbury
Getty Images A festival-goer drinks water in the heat at GlastonburyGetty Images
A festival-goer drinks water in the heat
PA Media People apply suncream at GlastonburyPA Media
Glastonbury's organisers gave out free sun cream to help combat the heat
PA Media Two women at GlastonburyPA Media
Two women keep cool at the festival as temperatures reached 27C

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of thunderstorms and lightning for parts of northern England and south-east Scotland for Saturday evening.

Temperatures are expected to drop overnight across the UK as cold air moves in from the Atlantic, sweeping away the humidity, said BBC forecaster Matt Taylor.

He said: "There won't be the same humidity on Sunday but there will be sunshine at times and it will feel quite pleasant."

He added that while central and eastern parts of the UK saw the hottest and most humid conditions on Saturday, the sunshine gave way to some storms in Northern Ireland.

"These are now pushing their way eastward to cross Scotland and the far north of England."

BBC forecaster Matt Taylor says temperatures are expected to drop overnight as cold air moves in from the Atlantic

Earlier, England's most senior nurse called on people to "check in on neighbours and loved ones who can suffer the most from heat and pollen".

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, also said it was important to drink plenty of water, use a high-factor sunscreen and take allergy medication if you need it.

NHS England and emergency services have also warned the public to take extra care.

It follows the death of 12-year-old Shukri Yahya Abdi, who drowned in the River Irwell in Greater Manchester on Thursday.

And animal charity the RSPCA issued advice for pet owners to help them keep their animals cool.