South East locals make most of hot weather
Holidaymakers and locals in the south-east of England have been making the most of the first real blast of summer.
The region recorded its highest temperature of the year on Tuesday of 29.4C (84.9F) in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, according to the Met Office.
Heathrow was slightly higher at 29.7C (85.5F).
Kent, Sussex and Surrey are all under yellow heat health alerts, which will remain in force in eight regions until 17:00 BST on Thursday.
A yellow alert - issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - indicates that weather conditions could pose a risk to those who are particularly vulnerable.
Temperatures could continue to rise and reach 30C (86F) in some spots this week, forecasters have said.
Gary and Michelle Hams, from Ramsgate in Kent, hit the beach early on Tuesday in neighbouring Broadstairs.
Ms Hams said: “We’re using our friends' beach hut on Viking Bay as they’re away at the moment in Kos.
"I think we’ve got more heat here than they have over there.”
Broadstairs resident Theresa Drury said she "wouldn’t want to be anywhere else when the weather is fine".
She added: "We absolutely do need the tourists here to keep the businesses going because it’s so easy for people to go abroad on cheap flights."
The hot weather is bringing extra business to Guildford Lido in Surrey.
Mark Learnihan, from Freedom Leisure, which manages the pool, said he was expecting up to 1,000 customers through the doors on Tuesday wanting to cool off.
He said: "As soon as the sun comes out and the temperatures rise we can guarantee that local people will come out in their droves taking advantage of this wonderful facility.
"We always try to maintain the temperature in the pool at 24C - so we don't have to heat it so much in this lovely hot weather.
Meanwhile, crowds also flocked to Brighton beach.
Local resident Sue said: "I've scooted down for a drink on the beach and to make the most of it whilst the good weather is here.
"This is the first time this year it's been nice enough to do this."
Jeff, from Heathfield, East Sussex, also came to the beach for the day.
He said: "When I retired, we spent four years travelling the world chasing the sun.
"It's nice to enjoy some much closer to home."
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