Muntu Lukhozi, London

The Meteorology Office has stepped up its heat warning in Britain following a heat wave that has put health services on high alert for illnesses relating to heat. Temperatures reached 32 degrees Celcius on Tuesday and this is expected to continue for the next two days.

The sweltering weather has prompted the government to set up a heat wave advice page and hundreds of calls have been received from people suffering from the heat. This is reported to be the driest, hottest and sunniest month in three years.

Officials are hoping that the levels seen in 2003 that resulted in a number of deaths will not be repeated. While some residents have deserted the city for a splash by the seaside, for some it's business as usual.

Meanwhile, unions have urged employers to allow staff to wear shorts during this sweltering heat, to make work more bearable.