Storms set to bring an end to sunny spell

The hot and sunny weather that sent thousands flocking to the beach over the weekend is set to end today.

A PA weather centre spokesman said: "It's still going to be hot at 28C but it looks like the uninterrupted sunshine is coming to end." Over the weekend temperatures hit 29C, making London hotter than Bombay and Rio de Janeiro.

Thousands of people took to the capital's parks. Bars, café³ and ice cream sellers reported a surge in sales. Motoring organisations said roads were busy over the weekend and many drivers experienced long delays as they headed for the coast.

The hot weather also proved a boost for Britain's tourist industry with people prepared to queue in the heat for the capital's major attractions.