THE sweltering heat of yesterday looks set to be as hot as its going to get for a while, with the next few days expected to be much more mixed.

Yesterday, Wednesday, was Britain's hottest July day since records began, with a high of 36.7 degrees recorded at Heathrow Airport.

In Worcestershire temperatures topped 30 degrees as people across the county fought to keep cool.

But anyone less keen on the heat can breathe a sigh of release – Paul Michealwaite of Pershore forecasters Netweather said the next few days would not be as sweltering as it had been yesterday, although it would still be hot.

“It’s unbelievably up and down,” he said.

“We’ve got a risk of some storms overnight and it’s going to be a lot cooler tomorrow (Thursday).

“It will feel a lot fresher as well as we’ll have some fresher air blowing up from the south west.”

But he said it would heat up again on Friday as a result of hot air blowing up from the south.

“Thursday will probably be in the mid to low 20s while Friday we’re back in the high 20s,” he said.

“Saturday looks like mid 20s as well but by Sunday it will be a bit cooler and we will see some rain.

“It won’t be as scorching as it has been next week.

“Monday is looking like mid-20s.”

Across the country health warnings were issued as road surfaces melted and trains were hit by delays and cancellations amid fears tracks could buckle under the heat.

Public Health England appealed to people to stay out of the run between 11am and 3pm and to keep an eye on young children, the elderly and those with serious illnesses.

Meanwhile air pollution was moderate across the country, promoting health warnings from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A statement on the organisation’s website said: "People with lung disease, children, the elderly and people who are active outdoors may be particularly sensitive to ozone and may begin to notice respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and throat irritation.”

West Mercia Police have also appealed to dog owners in the county not to leave their beloved pets in cars during hot weather. Leaving a window open or parking in the shade is not enough to avoid a dog becoming distressed and anxious or possibly dying.

Even if the car is only being left for a few minutes a dog should never be left in it alone.

Anyone who spots a dog in distress a hot car should call police immediately on 999.