Thousands of people across the North East ventured out to soak up the sunshine today as a heatwave continues to sweep across the nation.

Taking a dip, bathing in the sun and enjoying tasty ice cream were just some of the things the region got up to today (June 21) as temperatures soared across the country.

Today, the UK recorded the hottest day of the year so far as the Met Office said there was a provisional temperature of more than 33C measured in Surrey.

As well as the 33.2C high in Charlwood, temperatures of 26.9C were provisionally recorded in Bute Park in Cardiff and 27.2C in Aviemore in the Highlands, the weather service said on Saturday afternoon.

In Darlington and wider County Durham, temperatures reached highs of 28C as hundreds escaped to the beach, setting up parasols and paddling in the sea.

Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside and Seaburn in Sunderland were swarmed by sun seekers making the most of their weekend.

However, despite the sunshine, a yellow warning for thunderstorms covering the region has been issued by the Met Office as it said there could be frequent lightning, large hail, strong winds and heavy rain.

Up to 40mm of rain could fall in less than two hours, the forecaster said, as it urged those in the warning areas to consider whether their location is at risk of flash flooding and to prepare accordingly.

The warning is in place from 5pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.

Here are just a few pictures from today, what did you get up to in the sunny weather?

People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) Callum Rose and Georgie, aged 6 from Darlington in Richmond.Callum Rose and Georgie, aged 6 from Darlington in Richmond. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Annie-Rose Hamilton from Darlington, aged 10 in Richmond.Annie-Rose Hamilton from Darlington, aged 10 in Richmond. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

A busy beach in Seaburn, Sunderland.A busy beach in Seaburn, Sunderland. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) A busy beach in Seaburn, Sunderland.A busy beach in Seaburn, Sunderland. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: North News and Pictures) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: North News and Pictures) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside.People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)



People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside.People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside.People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside.People enjoy the weather on the beach at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)