A RARE heatwave has brought soaring temperatures of 32C across the UK today, including Wiltshire.

Cafes across the county have been reaping the rewards of the hottest day of the year so far with revellers desperate for ice creams and milkshakes.

Alex, who works at the Rowdey Cow Farm Café near Rowde, said: “There’s been a big increase in the amount of ice cream we’ve sold in the past two days with mint choc chip, lemon sorbet and bubble-gum being the most popular flavours.

“Everyone is choosing to sit outside so it’s very quiet in the café.”

Isobel Banks-Welch, who works in the tea rooms at Southwick Country Park, said: “Water is our number one seller today and we’ve restocked the ice cream freezer about five times. Haribo is the most popular flavour.

“We’re usually very quiet on Monday and Tuesday but this week we have been far busier in the tea rooms and the animal park which is good.”

Amateur weatherman Geoff Witts who records the weather on behalf of Wiltshire Council at his Steeple Ashton home said temperatures have hit 33C today. 

He added: "Today's temperatures are fairly similar to last year's temperatures where the hottest day was on July 1 when it got up to 32.9C.

"The record temperature for this time of year was 35.6C in 2006."

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on employers to temporarily relax workplace dress codes so staff can work through the heatwave as comfortably as possible.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous.

“Employers should relax dress code rules temporarily and ensure staff doing outside work are protected.

“While shorts and vest tops may not be appropriate attire for all, nobody should be made to wilt in the heat for the sake of keeping up appearances.”