Britain hottest temperature: All-time heat record could be set on Friday

The Met Office have warned that the UK could be gearing up for its hottest day ever recorded, as Friday is set to reach 37C in the south east of England. There is a possibility of a 38.5C peak, which would break all previous temperature records.

🌡️Today is likely to be the hottest day of the year so far, with 36 °C likely in the southeast ☀️

We'll be keeping a close eye on temperatures as they rise 🌡️and keeping you updated pic.twitter.com/LONcwHcH1M

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 26, 2018

This forecast also comes alongside predictions of thunderstorms later on Friday which, for those who get them, will cool the temperatures back down into the 20s over the weekend. Forecasters have said that as much as 30mm of rain could fall in just an hour, in some areas.

The rain will be welcomed by most, as gardens, parks and reservoirs are looking dryer than ever.

The continued hot weather has raised concerns across the country, with an amber health warning being announced earlier in the month and many trains reducing services over fears of the tracks buckling in the heat.

There have also been several warnings around pet health, with the RSPCA advising dog owners to check the temperature of pavements before taking their pups for a walk (here’s how) and again emphasising the dangers of leaving dogs alone in cars.