Families have been making the most of the summer sunshine on what could become the hottest day of the year.

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)

Temperatures are set to reach the mid 30s in some parts of the county today, as the region continues through the heatwave.

The mercury could rise to sweltering temperatures above 35C in the west, while the coast will be slightly cooler at around 30C.

So far, the highest temperature has been recorded at Wattisham, which has reached 31C.

Fred Best, meteorologist at East Anglia-based Weatherquest, said today could end up being the hottest day of the year for Suffolk.

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)

He said: “Temperatures are getting close to 30C around the county and there is still plenty of the afternoon left.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see temperatures in the western parts of the county get as high as 35C or 36C.

“Most of the county however will see temperatures of around 32C, while coastal areas will be between 28C and 30C.”

Mr Best added although skies remain clear, there is a chance of isolated showers in some parts of the county with a possibility of thunder later in the evening.