TEMPERATURES will reach a high of 26C today in Oxford as the UK braces for what could be the hottest day of the year so far.

Britons are set to sizzle in 30C heat in some areas of the country, as forecasters warn of 'intense' thunderstorms set to move in.

ALSO READ: Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms issued in Oxfordshire

Some areas will be hotter than top European holiday destinations including Ibiza, St Tropez and Mykonos which have highs of 27C today.

The mercury is expected to exceed the 29.7C recorded in Teddington, Middlesex on Monday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.

However, the Met Office has issued yellow warnings of thunderstorms from 6pm, stretching across large parts of England, including Oxfordshire.

It means people could see flooding to homes and businesses, communities becoming 'cut off', power cuts and delays to public transport following heavy rainfall.

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