Roads have started to melt as the heatwave across Sussex reaches its climax.

The weather has been so hot that some road surfaces have turned into a tacky melting tar. Ponds have also started to dry up in the intense heat.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far, with a high of 32.3C (90F) for Sussex recorded at Herstmonceux.

Temperatures are predicted to reach at least 36C (97F) today, far higher than the July average of 23C (73F).

The Met Office is predicting thunderstorms from tomorrow making it humid and uncomfortable.

Yesterday, gritter lorries were putting sand on the roads of Worthing as road surfaces started melting at the junctions of Titnore Lane and the A259 and on Brighton Road.

Highways officers will be inspecting roads across East and West Sussex today.

Health chiefs are advising people to stay indoors where possible and drink plenty of water.

Dr Tom Scanlon, director of public health at Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust, said the heat left the very young and old at risk.

He said: "We are advising people to keep out of the heat and if they can, take cool showers or baths and drink water regularly. The heat can affect anyone but babies, young children, older people and people on certain medications are more at risk."

Paddling pools have been provided for overheated dogs at the RSPCA charity's shelter in Patcham, Brighton, and the animals have been given biscuits dipped in ice to help them keep cool.

During the past week RSPCA inspectors received 223 reports of dogs left in cars, sheds and conservatories across Sussex but have been able to rescue all of them.

The Brighton Housing Trust has handed out more than 1,000 litres of bottled water to homeless people from the First Base Day Centre in Montpelier Place, along with sun cream to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Free suncream is also being handed to tourists on Brighton and Hove seafront.

Meanwhile, the village pond in Rottingdean, near Brighton, dried up on Tuesday afternoon leaving two ducks in distress.

The animals were rescued by urban ranger Clifford Craggs, who took them to a pond in Queen's Park, Brighton.

Much of the grass in Preston Park, Brighton, has already gone brown but underwater supplies are being used to water young trees and keep plants alive.

The TUC has launched a "cool work" campaign and urged employers to relax dress codes. It said they would get more work out of staff if workers were allowed to ditch jackets and ties.

Staff from frozen foods firm Brake Bros, in Hollingbury, Brighton, took advantage of their freezers to keep cool.

Operations clerk Ursula Wight was one of those who made the cool trip to escape the heat.