THE UK's mini-heatwave will see many areas record their hottest day of the year so far.

Much of the country has been basking in sunshine with the mercury reaching at least 30C.

The warm weather has prompted Government officials to issue health warnings.

With the warm weather expected to last until the end of Wednesday, Public Health England (PHE) is advising a common-sense approach to dealing with the heatwave.

Keep hydrated

People are urged to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, close curtains to keeps rooms cool, open windows and avoid people and animals being left in closed, parked vehicles that can get extremely hot.

Stay cool

There are also warnings to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoid physical exertion at the hottest times of the day and stay in the shade - and to put on a hat and wear sunscreen.

Dr Angie Bone, PHE's head of extreme events, said: "For some people - such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children - summer heat can bring real health risks.

"This summer we're urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you're able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated."

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Watch out for heat stroke

St John Ambulance has also issued advice, urging people to be aware of headaches, dizziness and cramp which can be signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Clive James, from the charity, said: "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars, so it's essential that people can spot the signs - such as headache and dizziness - and get them somewhere cool and rehydrated as soon as possible."

Babies, young children and the elderly

Public Health England (PHE) is urging people to look out for elderly relatives and friends who may be susceptible to the high temperatures - and to take extra care of young children, babies and those with heath issues.

Pollen levels will be high over the country for the next few days, causing havoc for hay fever sufferers - and there may be another restless night on Tuesday as temperatures reach 22C (71.6F) overnight.

The hot weather has been caused by a warm plume of air that has worked its way northwards from Spain, the Met Office said.

Forecaster Grahame Madge said: "The July temperature record was set on July 1 last year with 36.7C (98.1F) at Heathrow.

"We are not suggesting that temperature will be exceeded by anything we have got this week, but the temperatures that we do have will be the warmest we have seen in the last 12 months."

The outlook for today is a hot day with largely clear skies and light southerly winds.

Some patchy high cloud will arrive from the west towards the evening.

Tonight is expected to be very warm and humid.

Dry initially, but heavy and thundery showers are expected to begin to break out in some areas during the latter half of the night.