In pictures: UK basks in glorious sunshine as heatwave continues

18 June 2017

News image — Thousands of cyclists made their way from London to Brighton up steep inclines in sweltering heat

Twitter: @TheBHF London to Brighton cyclists - Sun 18th June — Thousands of cyclists made their way from London to Brighton up steep inclines in sweltering heat

Most of the UK is basking under blue skies and brilliant summer sunshine with temperatures expected to continue soaring beyond the weekend.

Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury peaking at 30.2C (86.36F) in Teddington, south-west London, the Met Office said.

Forecaster Charles Powell said Sunday and Monday would be the same.

He said there would be a lot of "dry, sunny, warm, humid weather with high UV, high pollen".

PA Cyclists on Brighton beach — Cyclists take a much-deserved rest on Brighton beach after taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride

There was an offshore breeze and 3ft waves at Godrevy beach in Cornwall

Saltdean Lido Reopening of Saltdean Lido — It has been the perfect weekend for the reopening of the Grade II*-listed Saltdean Lido, in East Sussex

PA (Parental consent given) Children play in a water fountain in Bradford, Yorkshire - Sat 17th June — These children enjoyed the fun of playing in a water fountain in Bradford, West Yorkshire

The high temperatures are due to warm, humid air originating from the tropical Atlantic, with the south and south-east of England and Greater London predicted to experience highs of 32C (89.6F) on Sunday and 33C (91.4F) on Monday, about 10C (18F) above the usual average for this time of year.

However, some northern parts of Scotland saw some rain on Sunday and were due to have more on Monday.

The Met Office said "a wedge of really hot air" would blow over from France on Thursday, with temperatures in eastern and southern England predicted to climb as high as 34C.

PA A cricket fan in the stands during the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval, London - Sun 18th June — A Pakistan cricket fan took to the stands during the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval, in south London, with some stunning shades

Jakob Edholm / OTILLO Isles of Scilly OtillO Swimrun on the Isles of Scilly — Athletes from 17 different countries took part in the second Otillo Swimrun on the Isles of Scilly

Ministry of Defence Trooping the Colour Parade down the Mall in London - Sat 17th June — The annual Trooping the Colour Parade took place under sunny skies in London on Saturday

The strength of the UV in some spots has been recorded as being as high as that in Cyprus and Gibraltar.

"All throughout this period we will have some pretty mild uncomfortable nights - a lot of places in the mid to high teens for night-time temperatures," Mr Powell said.

Paul Wilde Bird bath in Redditch, Worcestershire - Sun 18th June — This bird in Redditch, Worcestershire, found itself the ideal bath in which to cool down

The weather is expected to remain dry in the lead-up to the Glastonbury Festival next weekend with a 20% chance of "isolated showers" on Wednesday and Thursday.

"It is mainly going to be dry, looking at the whole event," the Met Office said.

"Wednesday, Thursday and Friday look dry with good spells of sunshine.

However, the Met Office predicts "cooler and fresher" temperatures on Saturday and Sunday with a mixture of sunny spells and showers.

PA Brothers Oliver (left) and Benjamin Scott enjoy an ice cream at The Green in Heckmondwike, Yorkshire - Sat 17th June — Brothers Oliver (left) and Benjamin Scott enjoy ice creams at the Great Get Together event held in Heckmondwike, Yorkshire

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a heat health warning.

Spokesman Dr Thomas Waite said: "For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks.

"That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer."

Eddystone Pursuit in Plymouth - Sat 17th June — The conditions were perfect for the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit in Plymouth on Saturday