Here is the latest update from the Met Office on the “exceptional and long-lasting” heatwave that the UK is currently experiencing.

How to sleep well during a heatwave

Ahead of what is set to be a scorching weekend, many people will be wondering how they are going to get a good night’s sleep during the UK’s heatwave.

The optimal bedroom temperature for sleeping is between 16C and 21C, according to sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, but temperatures could be around 25C overnight this weekend.

Our lifestyle writer, Sarah Young, has some tips below on how to stay cool overnight:

The UK’s hot spots today are mainly in the south of England, where at least six areas have recorded temperatures over 35C.

It is officially the hottest August day since 2003 after temperatures reached 36.4C in Heathrow and Kew Gardens this afternoon, the Met Office has said.

Sunseekers urged to stay away from packed beaches during heatwave

Sunseekers have been told to avoid some beaches along the southern coast which are rammed with people, as travel chaos is expected this weekend due to the UK’s heatwave.

The Coastguard said by midday it had responded to dozens of calls and urged the public to stay safe on the beach.

On Friday afternoon, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s beach check app showed 19 of its 24 beaches under red alert, warning people to avoid the areas as safe social distancing was not possible.

The remaining beaches were under amber, meaning they were congested and beachgoers should “stay alert”.

HM Coastguard said about 70 call-outs had been made across the UK by midday on Friday, which was “above average for this time of year”.

“The coast is very busy today and that’s grown across the morning and will continue to grow as the day goes on,” Matt Leat, head of infrastructure and technology lead at HM Coastguard, said.

“Looking back to last Friday (31 July), we are going to hit that many number of call-outs potentially today and this weekend.”

Coastguard rescue teams respond to 70 call-outs

The Coastguard has warned people to stay safe on the beach after rescue teams responded to 70 call-outs across the UK by midday on Friday.

Hundreds of people packed on to the beaches across Britain on Friday morning as early as 9am, on what could be the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures are forecast to rise to 37C in London and the south east, with the second day of a heatwave expected to last until at least Sunday.

HM Coastguard said around 70 call-outs had been made by midday on Friday, which is “above average for this time of year”.

The Coastguard reported its busiest day for more than four years as it dealt with 329 incidents on 31 July, when the UK recorded the hottest day of the year and the third warmest on record, with the mercury rising to 37.8C at Heathrow Airport.

Record-breaking summers to become certainty due to climate change, experts warn

Having record-breaking summers will become a certainty due to climate change, experts have warned, as the UK begins to swelter in what could be the hottest day of the year so far.

Just a week after Britain recorded the third warmest day on record on July 31, with 37.8C (100.04F) recorded in Heathrow, Friday could see temperatures rise to – and possibly surpassing – 37C (98.6F) in London and the South East.

Michael Byrne, lecturer in earth and environmental sciences at the University of St Andrews, warned that two near-record temperatures so closely spaced is “unusual”.

“But it’s not surprising given climate change is happening and accelerating,” he told the PA news agency.

“Breaking temperature records year-on-year will absolutely keep happening, unless we take drastic action against climate change that’s a certainty.”

Red alert notices issued for Bournemouth beaches

Several red alert notices have been issued for beaches in Bournemouth as people flock to the seaside on what could become the hottest day of the year.

Bournemouth Council’s Beach Check app shows a number of beaches as “red”, suggesting people “avoid” the areas because it is not possible to socially distance there, the Evening Standard reports.

Beaches affected include Sandbanks, Mudeford, Avon Beach, Friar’s Cliff and Highcliffe.

Large tides means tide will flood in quickly this weekend

Large tides are still present this weekend, meaning the tide will flood in quickly.

This will increase the amount of water moving around and raise the risk of stronger rip currents.

Steve Instance, water safety lead in the South West for the RNLI, said: “Rip current rescues are the most common incident the lifeguards deal with on our beaches, the strong currents can quickly sweep bathers out of their depth, which is when panic sets in.

“Please use a beach with a lifeguard patrol, keep an eye on your family members and take a moment before arriving at the beach to understand not just what rip currents are, but how to react if you are caught in one or see someone else in trouble.”

Those caught in a rip current should not try to swim against it and should wade if they are able to stand.

They should swim parallel to the shore until free and then head for the beach.

People who cannot swim should float by leaning back in the water, extending their arms and legs and resist the urge to thrash around.

The RNLI said people caught in a rip current should always raise their hand and shout for help.