Most are enjoying the sun while it lasts

Temperatures in London had reached 26C (79F) by mid-afternoon on Tuesday, much cooler than Sunday's record-breaking high of 38.1C (100.6F).

The outlook was distinctly cooler for further north, with a high of 21C (70F) being forecast.

Some forecasters expect temperatures to rise again during the week in time for the weekend, but they are not expected to come close to the recent record high.

On Monday a cooler front divided Britain, ranging from the north east to the south west.

South-east England and London endured scorching 32C (90F) heat but Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester were cooler on 23C (73F).

Extra electricity

Monday's top temperature was 34C (93F) in central London and Gravesend, Kent.

That compared with Barbados 30C (86F) and Honolulu 25.5C (78F).

National Grid spokesman Stewart Larque told BBC News Online extra use of fridges, fans and air conditioners during Britain's heatwave had increased demand by 1,000 megawatts - enough to power the whole of Bristol.

Bookmakers lost more than �300,000 to punters who backed the record-breaking temperatures, according to Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush.

The temperature record was first broken when Heathrow airport registered 37.9C (100.2F) on Sunday, the hottest day since records began about 130 years ago in 1875.

It was then broken again shortly afterwards, when the temperature at Gravesend reached 38.1C.

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The previous record was 37.1C (98.8F), recorded at Cheltenham in 1990.

Supermarket groups have reported a rush on barbecue gear, salads, beer and soft drinks.

And grocers have brought in more meat, fruit juices and bottled water to meet demand.

Sales of barbecue fuel reportedly hit record levels at Tesco during the weekend.

The supermarket chain also sold 150,000 litres of sun cream.

Asda reported selling two million tubs of ice cream.