Temperatures soared to 30°C on Tuesday, with ice cream parlours and hardware stores reaping the benefits of the sunny weather while local transport struggled under the strain of another scorching day.

Rays Ice Creams in the Old Town were among those to profit, bringing forward an anticipated seven-day week to take advantage of the boom in business.

“We are normally closed on a Tuesday,” said Hadi Brookes, 39, from Rays on Devizes Road.

“The plan had always been that from 1 July we would open seven days a week – but you can’t stay closed in weather like this, can you?”

She also explained how the weather was aiding a new venture: “We have just opened another shop in Wootton Bassett, so it’s been perfect timing for that. That’s started very well.”

So what sells well as the mercury climbs? “Sorbets: strawberry, mango, lemon. And milkshakes. Obviously very few waffles, brownies, that kind of thing, but that’s ok, they come into their own later on in the year. And white chocolate ice cream is flying out at the moment.”

Meanwhile, at Old Town Hardware on Wood Street, shop assistant Luke Browne spoke of increased demand for electric fans, hosepipes and watering cans.

However, there was one unexpected purchase: “I have also seen someone buy a draft excluder!”

While local businesses celebrated strong sales of sorbets and electric fans, others faced travails on their travels with buses succumbing to overheating in the sweltering sun. In the morning, Thamesdown’s bus service 22 broke down at Fleming Way due to overheating, requiring a replacement vehicle to be sent.

“People and businesses from all walks of life are affected by these abnormally warm weather conditions,” said Alex Chutter, general manager of Thamesdown Buses.

“Our buses are coping well. They are well-maintained by our team of hard-working engineers and I’m pleased to say that – apart from any traffic delays – our services are currently running as normal.

“Occasionally, this exceptionally hot weather may cause a bus to overheat. If this happens, we will work to provide an alternative vehicle quickly, so our customers can continue their onward journeys as comfortably as possible.”

With the unusually warm weather due to continue, and perhaps even get hotter, for another day yet, the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have put out advice on how to cope and stay safe.

“Getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple a person's risk of skin cancer,” said Tina Phillips, Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist.

“Even if you're in direct sunlight for a short period of time, it's important to make sure your skin is protected with a sun cream that's at least SPF 30 and offers UVA and UVB protection.”

"When the sun is incredibly strong, like it has been this weekend, it's always best to stay indoors during the middle of the day, where it's often cooler,” she added.

DO

Shut your windows and lower shades when it is hotter outside – you can open the windows for ventilation when it gets cooler.

Have cool baths or showers and splash yourself with cold water.

Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice.

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours – if you're worried about yourself or someone else, you can contact Swindon Borough Council.

DON’T

Go out in the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Use metallic blinds or dark curtains – these can make the room hotter in warm temperatures.

Drink too much alcohol, caffeine (including tea, coffee and cola), or drinks high in sugar.

Assume that closing your car windows can protect you from sunburn – glass does not block UV rays.