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Britain is one step from a 'national emergency' as a today could be the hottest June day in 40 years.

Experts think we could top the 35.6C mark that has stood since 1976.

Temperatures had already reached 20 degrees before 7am in the South West, and at Royal Ascot in Berkshire race organisers said they were considering relaxing the strict dress code for the first time.

Music fans arriving at Glastonbury festival on Wednesday will face a sweaty walk to pitch their tents.

Parts of southern Britain will notch 30C-plus for the fifth successive day – but it will be cooler further north, with the threat of thundery showers.

A level three amber warning, one behind a national emergency, has been in place regarding England's sweltering temperatures.

It is the first prolonged run of such blistering days since 1995.

(Image: SWNS.com)

(Image: Daily Mirror)

(Image: SWNS.com)

Spokesman Grahame Madge said: “It is likely we’ll have five days in a row with a station somewhere recording 30C or more, from Saturday until tomrrow. Last time we had five days in a row in June above 30C was June 26 to 30, 1995.”

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze added: “Forecast models show 35C on Wednesday in the South – meaning Wednesday has the potential to be the hottest June day on record.”

But there were warnings the heat and rising pollution could create a toxic smog – and it emerged two people drowned on Monday while trying to cool off.

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(Image: pixel) (Image: PA) (Image: Barcroft Media)

Monday was the hottest day of the year so far, with 32.5C recorded. Paul Lawson, 16, died while swimming at Greenbooth Reservoir in Rochdale, Gtr Manchester.

And a woman in her 80s died after being pulled from the sea at East Wittering, West Sussex.

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The NHS has urged the elderly, children and those with medical conditions to keep cool and hydrated. Asthmatics were urged to take extra care.

A DEFRA spokesman added: “Areas of moderate pollution are likely on Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, surfaces melted yesterday as road temperatures hit 40C and trains were axed as rails buckled.

Cool weather will start moving down from the north tonight, bringing thunderstorms – but temperatures should stay high until September.

Many places across the South saw the mercury hitting at least 30C on Tuesday, with highs of 31.4C, recorded at both Heathrow Airport and Wisley, Surrey, at around 3pm.

In Guildford, Surrey Police said spilt oil had melted into a tarmac road due to the scorching conditions.

A teenage boy drowned in a reservoir at Greenbooth Reservoir, a moorland beauty spot outside Rochdale, Greater Manchester, after reportedly getting into difficulties while swimming in the hot weather.

A woman in her 80s also died after being pulled from the sea at East Wittering beach in West Sussex on Monday afternoon, Sussex Police said.

The NHS has urged the elderly, children and those with medical conditions to keep cool and hydrated during the heatwave.

Those at risk are warned to keep in the shade during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm.

barbecue and swim outdoors to cool off.