BLISTERING heat, thunderstorms and the prospect of localised flooding will bring a tropical feel to the weekend as temperatures are tipped to soar to record levels.

Meteorologists expect today to be the hottest of the year, breaking the 30C (86F) barrier for the first time.

But a yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for Swindon on Saturday with heavy rain and the potential for localised flooding. 

Meteorologist Krista Mitchell from the Met Office said: "Much of the country can expect thunder from Friday into Saturday.

"We can expect some quite torrential showers."