Today could be the hottest day in the UK ever recorded with temperatures expected to hit 39C in the south east.

The current all-time record is 38.5C in Faversham back in August 2003.

According to the Met Office, there is now a 60% chance the thermometer will read just below 40C today.

How is Kent coping with the heat? Listen to our podcast here.

Today has been the hottest July day since records began

It will be "exceptionally hot and humid, dry and largely sunny, with light winds throughout."

As the heatwave continues to engulf Kent, here is everything you need to know about keeping cool and safe, and where to find the best beach spots and pools while we're at it.

Thunderstorms warning

This hot weather comes with a chance of thunderstorms.

The Met Office has announced a yellow severe thunderstorm warning for most of the country.

These could start at around 3pm until the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Roads are melting

Holes have appeared on a road in Maidstone which is melting in the heat.

Witnesses reported seeing the damage on the A20 Ashford Road.

Kent County Council has confirmed an investigation is underway to find out why the new surface is failing in this week's high temperatures.

A road in Maidstone has melted in the heat

Firefighter help youngsters cool

Youngsters on the Isle of Sheppey had an unexpected treat this afternoon when firefighters turned up and sprayed them with water.

A crew arrived at Beachfields Park in Sheerness, armed with buckets of iced water and a 'fog spike' used to spray a fine mist.

Andy Friday, crew manager, said: "It was the hottest day of the year so we thought we'd help and give people some safety awareness tips of being by the seaside at the same time."

Firefighters have been cooling down residents in Sheppey

NHS advice

The NHS has offered some advice on how to stay safe as the heatwave hits.

Dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the main risks posed by high temperatures.

Older people, babies and those with long-term conditions are often the most vulnerable.

Dr Julian Spinks gives his advice on keeping safe and healthy in the heat

Tips for keeping cool include drinking plenty of fluids, having cold showers, staying in the shade and wearing loose, cool clothing.

Make sure to keep check on friends and family who may be less able to look after themselves.

To see the full NHS guide click here.

Warning from Kent's ambulance service

South East Coast Ambulance Service said their call volume was up 35% yesterday than a typical Wednesday.

Paramedics ask people only call 999 if it's a serious emergency while the weather is so hot and call numbers are up.

Sleeping in the heat

Sleeping might prove a challenge tonight.

It will cool off slightly by this evening, but will still be much hotter than usual.

To avoid a restless, uncomfortable night, here are some tips for keeping temperatures to a minimum.

The obvious solutions are thin sheets and maybe getting yourself a fan on your way home after work.

However, less common fixes include using aftersun to cool your skin and filling a spray bottle with water to grab during the night.

You could also sleep on the sofa as heat rises so downstairs rooms will be cooler, fill a hot water bottle with ice, or put your pyjamas in the freezer before bed.

Be careful in the sea

Many will be at the beach today, having a day by the sea under the sun.

But RLNI lifeboat charity has warned us to be careful when swimming in the sea and avoid using inflatables.

The charity said: "Please take care, inflatables look fun but this can soon change.

"Being swept out to sea with no means of getting back to shore is frightening and be fatal.

"This scenario can be easily be avoided by leaving them at home - why take the risk?"

If you see someone in difficulty, don't put yourself at risk - call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Field fires

A big threat which comes hand in hand with such hot weather is farmland fires.

With more than 700 outdoor fires in Kent last summer, farmers' are understandably fearing the heatwave once again.

Kent farmers fear heatwave may bring more field fires

Three corn fields have already gone up in flames this week - in Charing, Birchington, Chart Sutton and another in Challock.

And firefighters were called to Canterbury last night after shrubbery and vegetation caught alight.

Mote Park was also scorched by the sun earlier today.

Kent Fire & Rescue's advice is to be careful when putting out cigarettes and to take rubbish with you, as reflections from tin cans and glass can be enough to start a fire in such warm weather.

Fewer trains

Trains are even being effected by the hot weather with services in Kent running at slower speeds today, which means fewer services.

Metal rails in direct sunshine can exceed 50°C, and so speed restrictions will be introduced on lines from midday to reduce the chance of rails buckling in the heat.

Passengers travelling in hot weather are advised to carry a bottle of water with them and not to board a train if they feel unwell.

Too hot to work?

Many of us will be sat in the office today, pulling at our collars and blasting the fans, trying to keep as cool as possible.

But legally, there is no actual maximum temperature a workplace must stay under.

It is down to your employer to decide how to keep it cool.

To see the full advice from an employment law specialist click here.

Pets

Pet owners are asked to keep a close eye on their furry friends today as Kent is hit by a heatwave.

There were 280 calls made to the RSPCA in the county last year about animals suffering from heat exposure.

With temperatures potentially hitting 39C today, a Kent veterinary nurse has some tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable in the heat.

Outdoor pools

Today is the perfect day to make a plunge in one of Kent's many outdoor pools.

And hundreds of people did just that in Medway yesterday.

KentOnline has found the best places to pull on your swimsuit and jump into the water.

There are six to choose from, which can all be seen here.

Best beaches in Kent

The county has 207 miles around its edge, so it's no wonder there are so many brilliant beaches in Kent.

Folkestone has both a sand and shingle beach, a champagne bar at the end of the harbour arm and two seafood stalls.

Thanet boasts multiple blue flags, including Botany Bay near Broadstairs and Margate -home to Dreamland funfair.

To see other beaches which made it into our top 10, click here.

Ice cream parlours

If you are lucky enough to be heading to the beach, you are sure to want a big scoop of ice cream at some point during the day - or maybe two.

With so many seaside towns along the Kent coastline, there are plenty of ice cream parlours too.

Retro Morelli's in Broadstairs offers a wide range of cherry-topped sundaes, milkshakes and scoops of funky flavours, as does Sorbetto in Ramsgate and Deal Beach Parlour.

Read our pick of the best Kent ice cream parlours and where to find them here.

Summer holiday guide

If you don't fancy the beach, there is still so much to do in Kent.

Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst runs a daily treasure hunt until September or you could take a trip to the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood.

The Beach in Bluewater is made its return last weekend with rides, deck chairs and many other activities.

For more of our summer holiday ideas click here.

Enjoying the sun

Residents at Rogers House Residential Care Home in Wigmore are beating the heatwave today and chilling with their paddling pool and ice lollies.

Send your sunny snaps to rtuffin@thekmgroup or tweet @rtuffinKM

Read more: All the latest news from Kent