Britons are braced for sizzling temperatures of up to 33C today amid a heatwave blasting the nation.
The mercury in central, southern and eastern England will soar this afternoon on what could be the hottest day of the year so far, said the Met Office.
Parts of the country will be hotter than some of the world's top beach destinations, including areas in Jamaica, the Maldives and the Bahamas, with the hot weather set to last until the weekend.
The UK's record high for 2022 currently stands at 32.7C, recorded at Heathrow on June 17.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: "High pressure is going to dominate, with lots of sunshine, particularly in England and Wales.
"In Scotland and Northern Ireland it will be somewhat hazy at times with thick cloud moving in from the north-west, possibly bringing some rain at times.
"But for most of us it will be a dry and sunny day, well into the high 20s from the morning, with central, southern and eastern parts of England to possibly see maximum highs of 33C.
"So it's very possible tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year so far, it will certainly be on par with the existing record, maybe more.
"It will also be very warm overnight going into Tuesday, remaining in the low 20s in cities, so many may experience an uncomfortable night."
A heat-health alert has been issued for some parts of the UK this week, with those in affected areas advised to shade or cover windows and check on the vulnerable and the elderly.
Brits are even being urged to ration their water usage by cutting down showers to five minutes and turning off sprinklers.
Anglian Water, which provides over four million customers with drinking water, also advised against paddling pools and car washes.
Sarah Castelvecchi, the company's Water Saving Manager, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and being outdoors, however we would like to ask everyone to think about how they are using their water.
"Paddling pools are the go-to cooler, but a standard pool can use up to 400 litres of water – that's four full water butts. It would be great if people could reuse the water on their gardens, instead of from the tap, as their plants will be hot too!”
She added: “We’re asking people to use the water they need to stay hydrated and healthy; we want everyone to use water wisely and reuse wherever possible to help us keep taps running this summer.
"Every drop of water is precious, so we work hard to make sure there is enough to go around for both today and tomorrow."
The hot spell looks set to subside later in the week, when a cold front is expected to start pushing in.
However, Mr Dewhurst said temperatures will remain in the mid-to-high 20s until the end of the week.
What's the forecast for your area this week?
South West England
Today and tomorrow will see fine and dry conditions, with a maximum temperature of 30C at around 3pm on Monday.
Overnight on Monday will feel uncomfortable, as the mercury remains in the double figures.
More cloud will set in from Wednesday, along with the odd spot of rain and cooler conditions.
Temperatures will rise again on Friday with sunny spells.
London and South East England
Dry and hot today and tomorrow, with a maximum temperature of 33C at roughly 4pm on Monday.
Conditions will become cloudier throughout Tuesday, possibly with the odd spot of rain by the evening.
Wednesday to Friday will remain dry with sunny spells, before temperatures rise again on Friday.
West Midlands
Today and tomorrow will see dry and hot conditions, with a maximum temperature of 32C at around 4pm today.
Overnight on Monday will feel uncomfortable, while Tuesday will see hazy sunshine at times.
Some drizzle may be possible later tomorrow, while a little more cloud will set in on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the odd spot of rain.
Temperatures will increase again from Friday.
East Midlands
Today will see dry and hot conditions, with temperatures hitting up to 32C at around 5pm.
Tomorrow will be a cloudier day but still feel hot in the south, and less so in the north.
Wednesday to Friday will see a return to dry and sunny conditions, with the mercury rising on Friday.
East of England
Dry and hot conditions today and tomorrow, with a maximum temperature of 33C at around 4pm on Monday.
It will become cloudier throughout Tuesday, possibly seeing the odd spot of rain by the evening.
Wednesday to Friday will remain dry with sunny spells, before temperatures rise again on Friday.
North West England
Fine and dry today with a maximum temperature of 30C from around 3pm.
Tomorrow will be cloudier, although see sunny spells throughout the morning, with outbreaks of light rain in the afternoon.
Wednesday and Thursday will be cloudy with some rain, and temperatures closer to average.
The mercury will rise again from Friday with sunny spells.
Yorkshire and Humber
Dry and very warm, or hot, today with a maximum temperature of 30C at roughly 3pm.
Cloudier conditions on Tuesday, with some patchy rain heading south in the afternoon.
Wednesday and Thursday will be mainly dry with sunny spells, and some isolated showers in the Pennines.
Friday will see a return to dry, warm and sunny conditions.
North East England
Dry and very warm today, with a maximum temperature of 28C at around 3pm.
Tuesday will be cloudier and breezier, with some patchy rain moving south but still feeling warm.
Wednesday and Thursday will be mostly dry and sunny, with isolated showers for western hills.
Friday will be cloudier in the north with patchy rain possible, but otherwise dry and sunny.
Scotland
Today will be dry and sunny in the south and east, while cloudier in the north-west, with a maximum temperature of 27C around 4pm.
The cloud will clear on Tuesday morning, but a few patches may remain in the north-west, with the afternoon mostly sunny.
Wednesday will see cloudier conditions and some showers in the north-west, with a mix of cloud and sunshine on Thursday.
Friday will be cloudy with some rain in northern and central parts.
Northern Ireland
Today will be dry and very warm, with high cloud at times and a maximum temperature of 25C at around 4pm.
Tomorrow will be a mostly cloudy morning with some rain, later becoming dry and brighter in the western counties but feeling cooler.
Wednesday will see bright spells and showers with brisk westerly winds which become lighter on Thursday.
There will be a chance of some showers on Friday.
