Brits basked in the joint hottest day of 2023 so far as the mercury exploded to 32.2C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, ahead of cooler temperatures arriving.
Today’s temperature matched that of June 10 in Chertsey, Surrey.
The conditions caused havoc in some places as the London Fire Brigade said 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were dispatched to tackle a grass blaze on Rammey Marsh in Enfield in the north of the city.
Around two hectares of grassland were alight on Sunday afternoon, it was confirmed.
London's New Wimbledon theatre cancelled a performance of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory the Musical due to sweltering temperatures.
It tweeted: "Due to outside temperatures in excess of 30C and its impact on working conditions on stage, we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel today's performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical."
It also caused tragedy as a teenage girl died after being pulled from the sea off the coast of Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire.
The 15-year-old girl and a boy of the same age were airlifted to hospital off Cleethorpes beach in Lincolnshire on Saturday evening.
Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said: "Stay hydrated and make sure you are wearing sun protection as we have high UV levels.
"Make sure you drink lots of fluid and stay out of the sun.
"Make sure you are not putting any disposable barbecues on any grassland area."
Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to hit northern England, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland on Sunday evening, with up to 30mm of rain expected in some spots in the North East.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place across Eastern Scotland and north east England from 1pm until 9pm on Sunday.
An identical one is in place across eastern parts of Northern Ireland between 2pm and 7pm on Sunday.
Temperatures over the weekend matched those of popular Mediterranean holiday hotspots, according to the Met Office.
Conditions are expected to cool next week with fresher air expected, particularly in the South East.
Ms Bokota said: "That really humid air is likely to feel a lot more comfortable than it has done for the last couple of weeks.
"Tomorrow will be fresher with some sunshine and showers like we have seen today."
