In pictures: Britain melts on 39C hottest day ever

The UK is on course for its hottest day ever as temperatures were set to hit up to 39C.

Temperatures have continued to hit highs across the country, with the mercury set to hit the 30s and mid-30s across much of the country.

Commuters have been warned not to travel and the Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in force for most of England, except the south-west, and parts of Scotland from 3pm on Thursday until 4am on Friday,

The Met Office has said there is a 60% chance the 38.5C current record could be beaten, with meteorologist Greg Dewhurst saying: "If it is to get to 39C, it will happen somewhere between London and Cambridge.

"Temperatures locally could also break July or all-time records.”