Today is officially the hottest day of 2020 so far - and, judging by these pictures, you have certainly been enjoying the sun.

East Anglian Daily Times: The sunrises over the calm sea at Shingle Street on the hottest day of the year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe sunrises over the calm sea at Shingle Street on the hottest day of the year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Our photographers Sarah Lucy Brown and Neil Didsbury were out early covering the glorious sunshine, with Sarah capturing some breathtaking pictures of the sun rising at Shingle Street at around 5am.

MORE: See this glorious sunrise over Suffolk on hottest day of the year

East Anglian Daily Times: The sunrises over the calm sea at Shingle Street on the hottest day of the year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe sunrises over the calm sea at Shingle Street on the hottest day of the year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Silhouettes of early risers can be seen marvelling at the breathtaking sight of the light breaking over the sea, while mist descended over nearby fields.

The temperature, already warm overnight, steadily rose during the day - reaching above 30C in most places.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk could see temperatures rise as high as 36C Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYSuffolk could see temperatures rise as high as 36C Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

The hottest recorded temperature was in Santon Downham, which reached a blistering 34C.

MORE: It’s official - Today is the hottest day of the year for Suffolk

East Anglian Daily Times: Southwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburySouthwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

There have been fears that the warm weather could lead to a rise in coronavirus transmissions, with people ignoring social distancing rules on beaches and in public parks.

Yet while beaches places such as Christchurch Park and the beaches at Aldeburgh and Southwold were busy, everyone having fun in the sun seemed to be staying safe at the same time.

East Anglian Daily Times: People enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburyPeople enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Pictured in our gallery are Rosie and Nikki Pullen catching the rays in Christchurch Park, people enjoying ice creams and a game of ping pong on Southwold beach and sunseekers swimming with inflatable toys in Aldeburgh.

Some, however, preferred to just set up a deck chair on the beach and read a book.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNRosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Temperatures are expected to hover around the high 20s to low 30s every day until mid next week.

The Met Office has issued a level three heatwave warning, indicating increasingly hot conditions.

East Anglian Daily Times: People have been visiting beaches up and down the county to enjoy the sunshine Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYPeople have been visiting beaches up and down the county to enjoy the sunshine Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

Saturday is set to be slightly cooler at 29C to 30C, but temperatures are set to rise to 30C again on Sunday.

As the mercury rises, GPs have reminded people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and to use sun cream and sunglasses.

East Anglian Daily Times: Temperatures are set to rise as the afternoon continues Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYTemperatures are set to rise as the afternoon continues Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Southwold on the hottest day of the year so far Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYSouthwold on the hottest day of the year so far Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Southwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburySouthwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: People enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburyPeople enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: People enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburyPeople enjoying the beach at Aldeburgh on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Southwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil DidsburySouthwold on the hottest day of the year so far. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Rosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNRosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Rosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNRosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Rosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNRosie and Nikki Pullen enjoying the heatwave in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)