TEMPERATURES will remain high today following yesterday being the hottest day of the year so far.

The south-east is expected to have the best of the weather with London forecast to have a high temperature of 31C compared to 27C in Swindon, Chippenham Devizes and Trowbridge.

Amateur weatherman Geoff Witts, who records the weather on behalf of Wiltshire Council at his Steeple Ashton home near Trowbridge, said temperatures hit 33C there yesterday.

The hottest temperature recorded was 33.5C (92.3F) at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, making it hotter than Barcelona.

London Ambulance Service said it had had 300 more calls than usual and the RSPCA said it had also seen a spike in calls from members of the public concerned about dogs left in hot cars, conservatories, sheds and caravans.

Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at Public Health England, said: "Older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children may all feel the ill-effects of heat over the coming days."

And the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on employers to temporarily relax workplace dress codes so staff can work as comfortably as possible.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous. Employers should relax dress code rules temporarily and ensure staff doing outside work are protected.

“While shorts and vest tops may not be appropriate attire for all, nobody should be made to wilt in the heat for the sake of keeping up appearances.”

Great Western Hospital is advising people on how to stay happy and healthy as the hot, muggy weather continues today.

Tina Phillips, skin cancer clinical nurse specialist, said: “Getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple a person’s risk of skin cancer.

“Even if you’re in direct sunlight for a short period of time, it’s important to make sure your skin is protected with a sun cream that’s at least SPF 30 and offers UVA and UVB protection.

“When the sun is incredibly strong it’s always best to stay indoors during the middle of the day, where it’s often cooler.”

Data from NHS England shows the number of deaths from skin cancer in the south west increased by 15 per cent between 2009 and 2014.

Malignant melanoma cases in Wiltshire have also seen a rise in recent years, with the number of new diagnoses in the county now above the national average.

The national Cover Up Mate campaign, which encourages males working outside for long periods to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the sun was launched this week.

Specialist sleep nurse Samantha Backway also shared helpful tips for getting the best possible night’s sleep.

“The heat can make even the fittest person feel tired quicker than usual, so getting a good night’s sleep is really beneficial at this time of year," she said.

“Windows should be closed and curtains drawn during the day, then reopened in the evening when it’s cooler.

“It’s not always possible, but if you can, try to sleep downstairs where it will be cooler and have a bath or shower with tepid water to reduce your body’s core temperature before getting into bed.

“Putting a pillow or sheet in the fridge can help keep your bed cool, but the easiest way to keep the whole room feeling fresh is to switch off all electrical devices when you go to sleep as they all generate heat.”

More information on staying cool this summer can be found on the NHS Choices website visit nhs.uk

Meanwhile rail passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as heat speed restriction planned at London Paddington from 2.30pm today will not now go ahead.

Many services in and out of Paddington were delayed yesterday as Network Rail brought in speed restrictions for safety reasons.