Young people relax in the sun in Hyde Park during London's heatwave PA

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TEMPERATURES in London hit a new high for the year today – but we’re advised to enjoy it now because storm clouds are gathering.

• Commuters demand air conditioning on the Tube

• Heatwave causes plague of maggots in Harrow

• Met Office London and south-east forecast

Temperatures topped 33C as sun worshippers revelled in the heat, packing parks and plunging into pools across the capital.

However, today will be the last day of unbroken sunshine for a while with more typical British weather set to return.

Overnight temperatures will be the highest so far this year – at 20C – but by morning thunder storms are likely to strike, say weather experts.

"The full-on sunny days will give way to storms and showers early ­tomorrow and over the weekend, and temperatures will drop to around 25C"

The weekend will also see showers and the roof on Wimbledon’s centre court may well be needed.

Met Office forecaster Nigel Bolton said: “The full-on sunny days will give way to storms and showers early ­tomorrow and over the weekend, and temperatures will drop to around 25C.

“More seasonal weather for Britain is returning so those who have been enjoying the conditions will have their last chance to enjoy unbroken sunshine.

“Temperatures will dip significantly as a weather front comes from the Atlantic. There will be some sunny days but the peak of the heatwave is passing.”

The rain will bring relief to London’s parched parks, which have turned brown in the blistering heat.

Historic green spaces such as Hyde Park and St James’s Park are among those bearing the scars wrought by the recent heatwave. Hyde Park assistant manager Rob ­Dowling said: “The rain on the way is good news. The park is ­really dry, but it will only take a few downpours to become lush again – however, a ­prolonged spell of rain would really help.”

The Government yesterday stepped up its heatwave emergency alert to “red”. The level-three alert was the highest ever issued.