Brits have been urged to stay inside today, and shut doors from 11am. Today is forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures potentially soaring to a record-breaking 30C.

According to Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone, the UK may experience its warmest May onset on record, with temperatures expected to climb to "29C or even 30C." And with this hot weather on the way, the UK government has warned people to take precautions, saying “anyone can become unwell if they get too hot” and issuing guidance on how to stay cool and safe today and over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The biggest piece of advice is to avoid the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. For these four hours, try to keep out of the sun - stay indoors and avoid physical activity.

Close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun to prevent your home from getting too hot. Opening them only allows warm air to circulate through your house, pushing out the cool air that has accumulated overnight.

If you have to go outside, be sure to wear suitable clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses, as well as applying sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, limiting alcohol intake and seeking shade.

The government also urged people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell. If you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.

Heat exhaustion and the more severe heatstroke can develop quickly when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, weakness, feeling faint, headaches, muscle cramps, and feeling sick.

Heatstroke is when the body is no longer able to cool down, and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Symptoms include confusion, lack of coordination, fast hearbeat, fast breath, and hot but not sweaty skin. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and try to cool them down