Could Sussex see record-breaking temperatures today?

The mercury in parts of the country is forecast to rise to 36C in some places, including Gatwick Airport, exactly 16 years after the current hottest temperature in Sussex was recorded.

According to the Met Office, the current record for the hottest temperature in Sussex is 35.6C, recorded on July 19, 2006 in the village of Wiggonholt, near Pulborough.

Temperatures came close to beating that record yesterday, with a high of 34.2C reported in the village.

Thousands gathered on Brighton beach over the weekend to soak up the sunshine

Brighton could also face its hottest day ever, with temperatures forecast to surpass the current record of 32.8C - recorded in June 1976 in the middle of another heatwave.

The city is set to face highs of 33C later this afternoon.

A spokesman said temperatures will be “very close to that record temperature”, but that it was “hard to say” whether a new record will be set today.

He said: “Being right on the coast makes it harder to predict, as the influence of the sea can have a notable impact with onshore breezes and other factors.”

An amber warning remains in place across Sussex for extreme heat, with the potential to cause serious illness or danger to life.

Schools across the county have allowed students to wear PE kits or have opted to close early or not open at all due to the extreme heat, while train operators have urged commuters not to travel unless absolutely necessary due to speed restrictions and the potential for severe disruption.

A provisional record temperature was set in Wales yesterday, after temperatures reached a new high of 37.1C reported in Hawarden.

However, for those struggling with the extreme heat, there is some good news - tomorrow is set to be significantly cooler, with temperatures more than ten degrees colder than today.

The rest of the week in Brighton and Hove looks sunny, with the chance of some showers, with highs of around 23C on Thursday and Friday.