Britain is experiencing its hottest July day ever after temperatures hit 36.3C (97.3F) near Gatwick.
The figures recorded at Charlwood at 2.32pm broke the all-time record for the month.
A previous record of 36C (96.8F) was last set on July 22 in 1911 in Epsom, Surrey.
Experts said the heatwave will show no sign of relenting as hot winds from France boost temperatures further.
Monday and Tuesday have already seen the two hottest days of the year so far with temperatures of up to 33.2C (91.8F).
The highest UK temperature ever recorded was 38.5C (101.3F) in Faversham, Kent, on August 10, 2003.
British temperatures this week have outstripped popular holiday destinations including Athens, Bermuda, Rio de Janeiro and Rome.
Forecasters expect a bank of showers coming in from the South West to offer some respite tonight and tomorrow, but the weekend should still be very warm.
The heatwave has sparked a series of health warnings over fears for the safety of elderly and vulnerable people.
And police have issued a safety warning after a teenager drowned as he cooled off in a canal.
The 14-year-old boy died after jumping into the water in Glen Parva, Leicester.
Police confirmed the death was a "tragic accident" and have referred the case to the coroner.
A spokeswoman said: "The assumption is that, because of the heat, the boy entered the water to cool down."
Officers, in association with British Waterways, have issued a warning to people who might be tempted to swim in rivers and lakes as temperatures rocket.
Jeff Whyatt, general manager of British Waterways South East, said: "There are a lot of hidden dangers in open water and even the strongest swimmers can experience difficulty.
"This sad and tragic accident highlights the real risks of swimming in the canal.
"We understand how inviting the water may look on a warm day but it's important to stress that swimming in any waterways is extremely dangerous.
"The water is frequently far colder than expected and can lead to muscle cramps in even the strongest of swimmers.
"Submerged objects pose further dangers and underwater currents on rivers, or those created by passing boats, are hazardous.
"And it's particularly important over the summer to ensure that children are always supervised when near to water."
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It has been a sweltering 33C here all day, it is still 26C now ( 22:30 ), outside
Thunder and lightening storms forecast during the next couple of days
A shame about the youngster drowning, it happens everytime we have a hot spell. There are lots of ponds and rivers around my area, and each summer we have at least 6 fatalities involving kids and water
