The top temperature of 37.1C (99F) was recorded on August 3, 1990, at Cheltenham. Roy O’Sullivan, of the Met Office in Bracknell, said: “It’s not just the hot sunshine which creates the high temperatures. It’s a combination of sunshine and the right atmospheric conditions.

“Over the next few days there will be a lot of hot air, which conspires to push up temperatures. I think temperatures will reach 35C or 95F, and there’s a chance it could go higher.”

William Hill, the bookmaker, is offering odds of 10-1 against the temperature exceeding 100F this month.

The past two months have been the third-hottest June and July over the past 100 years. The highest temperature so far this year, 33.6C (92F), was recorded on July 15 at Wisley, Surrey.

It is also expected to become more humid this week.

The sun gave solace to England supporters among the full houses at Lord’s where Michael Vaughan’s first Test match as captain ended in an innings defeat by South Africa. More than 375,000 Robbie Williams fans enjoyed the weather that accompanied his three concerts at Knebworth, Hertfordshire, at the weekend.

More than 100,000 people went to Bournemouth beach yesterday; the temperature reached 29C (84F). The 3,500 deckchairs had been hired by 10am. Seafront staff treated bathers who had stepped on the poisonous spines of the weever fish, which is attracted to the shallows in hot weather.

Rain is forecast as a possibility today and tomorrow only in the South West.

Sunbathers are advised to limit their exposure and to drink lots of water.

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