SWINDON sweltered under scorching sunshine as the beginning of a heatwave saw temperatures rise to more than 30 degrees Celsius.

Families and friends flocked to the town’s parks to stroll, sunbathe or stop for an ice cream.

Lindsey and Stephen brought their 10-year-old daughter Tamsin to cycle around Coate Water and relax on a bench with a lollipop.

Stephen said: “It was very nice. These temperatures are nice now and again but not all the time, otherwise it's too hot to do anything."

Tamsin added: "I really enjoy when the weather's like this and I love cycling."

The perfect summer weather is set to continue for several days as the mercury stays above 30 degrees today before dipping slightly to highs of 29C on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Clear skies will cloud over from tomorrow but there should still be plenty of sunshine peeking through.

A few people stopped off in Swindon while on the way to a weekend staycation.

Ash Venk and his family were heading to the Cotswolds when they parked in Coate Water to have some fresh air.

He said: "It's beautiful here and the children enjoyed themselves. The weather is absolutely fantastic, I'm glad it's staying like this for a few days."

Louie Shaw and Ellie Rossiter from Hereford ended up having a picnic in the same place after traffic jams prevented them from going to Weston Super-mare.

Louie said: "This was the next best thing, it's nice, though the heat is a bit much."

Ellie added: "This is my first time in Swindon, I like it, it's been a good day."

A yellow warning for thunderstorms will be in place throughout Monday or Tuesday but the Met Office is yet to confirm what areas of the UK the storms are forecast to hit.

Health bodies are advising people to keep their own bodies hydrated and cool during this stretch of exceptionally-warm weather.

Public Health England consultant Ishani Kar-Purkayastha said: “Many of us welcome warmer weather, but some people may find it more difficult to cope. People recovering from Covid-19 at home, those who are self-isolating, older people and people with underlying health conditions are all more vulnerable during hot weather.

“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19. A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.

“If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely. Ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool.”