The region is set for another scorcher today, with temperatures peaking at 30C – but as the mercury continues to climb, could we come close to the record of 38.5C set in 2003?

With East Anglia as hot as many of the European beach resorts usually flooded with tourists at this time of year, it’s looking to be a truly extraordinary summer.

However, just when we think the temperatures must have peaked, some forecasters are predicting that the mercury could hit 36C in parts of the UK on Friday – just 2.5 degrees off the all time record, set in Kent in August 2003.

The Met Office has set its sights a little lower for this region, forecasting highs of 34C in East Anglia – which would still break this year’s record of 33.4C set in Santon Downham on Monday.

For the time being, forecasters at the Met Office are predicting highs of 30C today, with plenty of hot sunshine.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alex Montali from London, building sand castles in Southwold with children Florence, 4, and Alfred, 2 Picture: STEPHEN WALLERAlex Montali from London, building sand castles in Southwold with children Florence, 4, and Alfred, 2 Picture: STEPHEN WALLER (Image: � Stephen Waller)

While it should remain dry and largely sunny, one or two heavy showers cannot be completely ruled out later in the day.

Overnight it should stay dry, with largely clear skies developing. It will also remain rather warm and muggy.

We may also see some scattered thunderstorms later in the week, with the risk at its highest when temperatures peak on Friday.

The showers would bring some long awaited relief for farmers and gardeners across the region, some of whom have suffered seven weeks without rain.

Meanwhile, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust has confirmed it has cancelled its ‘Campfire Cookout’ in Holywells Park Ipswich, due to the risk posed by the hot weather.

The event, which was due to take place at 6.30pm on Friday, July 27, was cancelled after concerns were raised on Facebook.

In a comment posted on the site, the trust said: “Please know that we have given this event careful consideration. We have been constantly monitoring the area over the past weeks and we have decided to cancel this event following further assessment later on this evening [Tuesday, July 24].

“We have unfortunately come across several fires recently not in correct, safe or designated areas and this activity was providing children with the opportunity to carry out this sort of activity under careful supervision learning how to do so safely. We however will now be cancelling this event as the previously damp conditions down by a stream are now too dry.”