Forecasters warn of frequent lightning, large hail, gusty winds, and brief heavy downpours in some areas

The exceptional hot and humid weather will continue across London, South East England and East of England as temperatures could rise to 38C

Parts of England are forecast to reach 38°C on Thursday and Friday as the Met Office extends red warning for extreme heat

A high of 40C is forecast in the southeast of England on Friday

The 36. 9C record temperature was chalked in Wattisham, Suffolk, in southeast England, the meteorologists said, breaking the previous high of 36. 7C set on Thursday.