THOUSANDS of people flocked to the seaside as the UK temperature exceeded 40C for the first time.

Brighton beach was packed as Heathrow reported a temperature of 40.2C at 12.50pm – a new UK record.

The Met Office said the UK had experienced its warmest ever night on record on Monday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s, meaning an uncomfortable sleep for many.

The previous record was documented more than 30 years ago in Brighton on August 3, 1990.

Yesterday was the first time UK temperatures surpassed 40 degrees.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps  admitted the UK’s transport network could not cope with the extreme heat. He said issues on the rails and roads will continue for decades during such heatwaves.