SWELTERING temperatures put Swindon on a par with Cairo, Mumbai and Rio yesterday with no escape from the high humidity and low winds.

At its height, temperatures flirted with 31C, making it the hottest day of the year so far for the town, which saw its outdoor attractions benefitting from the higher footfall.

Britain had endured the hottest July day on record with temperatures soaring to 36.7C (98F) - as roads melted and trains were cancelled. Urgent health warnings were issued and paramedics dealt with a surge in calls amid fears the hot weather could result in deaths.

The Met Office said temperatures hit the record high in Heathrow in the afternoon - breaking the previous record of 36.5C (98F) set on July 19, 2006, in Wisley, Surrey.

And Wimbledon had the hottest day in its history as players sweltered in the searing heat of Centre Court.

Closer to home the splash park at Coate Water was overrun with youngsters and their parents, the Town Gardens in Old Town was a more sedate affair until Little Big Festival opened its Picnic in the Park event at 3.30pm.

Carol Watts, the owner of Old Town Gardens Cafe, said: “It’s a nice area to bring your children. It’s safe and pretty. There are trees to offer shade too.

“I did expect it to be a little busier, but there may well be some people staying in because it’s too hot.”

The trader said she had kept a keen eye on the news in the days previous, anticipating the hot weather with hopes it might spark extra custom in the park.

“I’ve stocked up on ice creams, lollies and cold drinks. Yes, I do look forward to it,” she said.

Paulina Domagala, 26, of Dunsford Close, was in the gardens with her 15-month-old daughter, Sophie.

“We are always going to the park and the beach with the kids if it’s nice weather,” she said. “This sun has been nice for bringing them out today. It’s great family time.”

Ella Bird, of Turner Street in the town centre, was on her lunch break, enjoying the heat in the gardens.

She said: “I expected it to be a little busier than this, to be honest. We come here fairly often and there’s always a few more people out and about.

“I thought the sun might have brought a few more out today. It could be a little too hot for some people.”

Arthur and Jane Loveday, of Royal Wootton Bassett, were enjoying a picnic with their three grandchildren, aged four, three and two, in the Town Gardens.

Arthur said the weather shouldn’t present too many issues for people.

“As long as you sit in the shade where you can, wear the right clothes and apply sun cream, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem for people,” he said.

“As long as it’s dry and warm we don’t have a problem with it. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.”

Meanwhile, at the water park, parents and children alike were having lots of fun.

Denise Logan, 29, of Abbey Meads, was at the attraction with her five and three-year-old daughters.

“This is perfect for the kids in this weather. They have so much fun and it also keeps them cool too," she said.

“They seem to like the novelty of getting their swimming costumes on too.”