Tropical Britain: Fog up North, thunderstorms down South but heatwave warning remains as temperatures soar to 33.5C on hottest day in seven years Summer could be going out with a bang, as forecasters predict 'violent' thunderstorms will bring a dramatic end to the heatwave which has seen temperatures soar to more than 33C today. The UK will experience 'tropical conditions' today with high humidity making it the hottest day of the year so far, forecasters say. The country has seen its longest prolonged heatwave in seven years, although temperatures dipped slightly over the weekend. Today, they have soared once again, with the mercury topping 33.1C in Heathrow. Lightning strikes over Poole Harbour during a thunderstorm.The spell of hot weather was brought to an end last night on the South coast after a second week of heatwave conditions across the UK Thunder and lightning appeared over Bournemouth last night as the hot spell drew to a noisy conclusion More storms are predicted to sweep the country tomorrow as the UK experiences tropical conditions Today is set to be the hottest day in seven years. The hottest July day on record in the UK was seven years ago when a sweltering 36.5C was recorded in Wisley, Surrey, on July 19 2006 Calm before the storm - a sea mist covers the flat calm water off Falmouth in Cornwall with thunderstorms expected this week The UK has seen its longest prolonged heatwave in seven years, although temperatures dipped slightly over the weekend But the mercury is expected to reach 33C (91.4F) during the day, with the Midlands and the south of England the likely contenders for the hot spots. The hottest day of the year so far had been last Wednesday at Hampton waterworks, south west London, with highs of 32.2C (90F). Brendan Jones, a senior forecaster with Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said conditions would be 'very, very humid'. He said: 'So while 33C would be about a degree higher than the hottest temperature so far, it will feel even warmer. It's going to be sticky, oppressive and close, and will make things feel quite uncomfortable.' Parts of the UK will see 96 per cent humidity this week - muggier than Nigeria. Forecasters predict that a band of thunderstorms due to sweep the country from today will bring muggy weather with it as it douses the parched country, meaning uncomfortable sticky nights lay ahead for many. As the week progresses humidity levels across the country are expected to reach into the 90s, with Leeds seeing humidity levels reach 96 per cent on Wednesday. This compares with with 92 per cent humidity in Lagos on the same day. Humidity in London will climb to 86 per cent on Wednesday. Meanwhile Newcastle will see humidity top 92 per cent and Birmingham 84 per cent. The muggy conditions are expected to spread and persist during the week, according to Met office spokesman Tony Gray. Beachgoers soak up what could be the last of the sun at Stokes Bay, Gosport As Britain continues to bask in another day of hot weather, sun-seekers flock to the Essex village of Dedham to enjoy the heatwave Rowers enjoy the conditions on the River Stour in Dedham A man walks heads to the beach as forecasters warn the current warm fine weather is set to disappear As the week progresses humidity levels across the country are expected to reach into the 90s A couple shelter under a sun shade on the beach at Weymouth People should make the most of the sunshine however, with cooler weather on the way, and potentially heavy storms tomorrow. The Met Office has issued a rain warning for tomorrow for most of England and all of Wales, with localised flooding possible in places and the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for the South West. 'We could have a few fat spots of rain coming out of the sky over widespread areas on Monday' said Mr Jones. With the high temperatures, it will be almost tropical in the way it feels tomorrow. Then from Monday night and into Tuesday, some very violent weather could be kicking off, with thunderstorms across quite a lot of England, Scotland and Wales. We will see quite lively storms. It will stay pretty warm as well, with temperatures up to 30C (86F) on Tuesday, and some humidity. In London, firefighters were shifting their focus from fighting grass and forest fires to being on flood alert, after heavy rain warnings were issued for the capital and elsewhere. Peter Cowup, London Fire Brigade's acting head of operational procedures, said: 'Heavy rainfall can create fast-flowing water that may look safe but can be powerful enough to knock you off your feet. We want people to stay well away from any floodwater, streams and rivers and to keep a close eye on their children and dogs to make sure they stay away from the water. Temperatures will start gradually dropping as the week continues but will remain in the mid 20s, which is still over the average for this time of year, Mr Jones said. 'It's the end of the official heatwave. But while they can be broken down very quickly and turn cold overnight, it's still looking quite warm next week,' he added. The hot weather has taken its toll on the UK in recent weeks, with grass fires in London, mountain blazes in the Welsh valleys and forest fires in Fife, Scotland. Hundreds of premature deaths are believed to have been caused by the heatwave. Wildlife experts have warned of the 'tinder-box' conditions across some landscapes after days of hot, dry weather. The beach fills up crowds flock to soak up the rays before the bad weather sweeps in from tomorrow The beach front is turned into a sea of parasols and tents as people shelter from the blistering heat Families take a break from the heat to watch a traditional punch and judy show A couple take some shade as they relax while looking out from a hill over Portsmouth Forecasters have warned more unsettled weather is on its way with temperatures tipped to soar to 35C today Devon Wildlife Trust has teamed up with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to urge people to take care to avoid fires in the region, which can devastate habitats that are key to rare species as well pose dangers to people and farmland. Members of the public are being urged not to drop cigarettes, use barbecues or leave glass or bottles in the countryside, all of which can start fires, and to report any blaze they see to the emergency services immediately. Steve Hussey, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said: 'Wildfires can be devastating for wildlife, as well as potentially dangerous for people and damaging to farmland. Heathlands, with their coverings of dry gorse and grass, are particularly vulnerable when the weather remains hot for several weeks. At present many heathlands are in 'tinder-box' condition.' He added: 'This is a habitat which has declined by more than 80% in the last 200 years. The few remaining heaths are key places for rare wildlife which includes Dartford warblers, common lizards and adders. Paul Slaven, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: 'We want to remind people to be mindful of the impact and damage that wild fires have on the environment. These fires also a have a further impact, tying up valuable fire resources for some time. The Met Office has issued a rain warning for tomorrow for most of England and all of Wales, with localised flooding possible in places Thick fog descends on the M62 between Manchester and Huddersfield whilst South-West England and England is predicted to have the hottest day of the year so far [capti Summer is on the way out, so make the most of it while it is here Young daredevils have come up with a new adrenaline sport to make the most of the summer while it is here - harbour tightrope walking. A video which was added to Youtube on Thursday, shows young people walking along a tightrope of some sort stretched across the entrance to Mousehole harbour, Cornwall. Young daredevils in Cornwall have come up with a new adrenaline sport - harbour tightrope walking A video which was added to Youtube, shows young people walking along a tightrope of some sort stretched across the entrance to Mousehole harbour, Cornwall The rope is suspended around 25 ft above the sea and spans the 50 ft gap across the harbour entrance The rope is suspended around 25 ft above the sea and spans the 50 ft gap across the harbour entrance. The video shows a series of youths attempting to tip toe across the rope. Most fall off in to the sea below. No one knows who is behind the new craze but the video was produced by Abdel Bakrim.