The North East basked in near‑30C heat as clear skies and blazing sunshine delivered one of the hottest days of the year.
From the Durham dales to the coast, people took to the chance to soak up the warmth.
It comes as Wednesday was confirmed as the UK’s hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 35.7C breaking the previous record from the summer of 1976, a rare red warning in place from the Met Office for extreme heat in parts of the UK.
Provisional temperatures reached 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey, and 35.8C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex.
Back in the North East, as dawn broke, the day began with a fiery sunrise over Seaham, the low orange sun climbing above the North Sea and casting long shadows across the famous Tommy statue.
By mid‑morning, forecasters were reporting temperatures of up to 27C across County Durham.
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At the coast, the water was busy with swimmers, paddleboarders, and toddlers with buckets and spades. Others sat back, determined to make the most of every second of sun.
Meanwhile, Northumbrian Water urged people not to swim in reservoirs over hidden dangers beneath the surface and cold‑water shock.
Pet owners were told to treat the hottest part of the day as a “lockdown” for dogs, keeping them indoors, off scorching pavements and swapping long walks for shade, water and quiet games at home.
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