East Anglia has enjoyed the joint hottest day of the year so far - with temperatures reaching more than 30C (86F).

According to Weatherquest forecaster Dan Holley, the mercury hit 30.8C (87.44F) in Santon Downham in Suffolk today.

And the hot and dry weather is expected to continue through the week.

Forecaster Adam Dury said: “It is well above the average temperature for this time of year.

“Today there were temperatures of 30C (86F) recorded in Thetford and in Mildenhall.

“It is mostly looking fairly dry this week but there is a low risk of a shower or thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon in Suffolk and Essex.

“Chances are that only one or two places may see a shower.

“Again, on Tuesday there will be a very low risk of a shower.

“There are only one or two places across the whole of East Anglia that will see it though - most places will remain dry.

“On Wednesday, everywhere is looking dry and it is a similar story on Thursday.

“But temperatures will be cooler after Monday.

“Tomorrow it we will be 29-30C (84.2-86F) then on Tuesday it will be 22-23C (71.6-73.4F).

“It will go back up to 24-25C (75.2-77F) on Wednesday and then 25-26C (77-78.8F) on Thursday.”

The prolonged spell of hot and dry weather has created a busy time for firefighters across the region this weekend.

As a result, fire chiefs are urging people to be extra careful when they are enjoying the weather.

Mark Hardingham, Suffolk’s chief fire officer, said: “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service encourages everyone to be extra vigilant.

“Be aware of fire risks when you are out in the open, especially near to standing crop, crop stubble or trees and undergrowth, all of which is currently tinder dry.”