Hundreds of people have been heading to our beaches today as the UK experiences its hottest day of the year so far.

Beaches across Southend have been packed with people today soaking up the sun as temperatures reached a scorching 32°C.

The Met Office had issued a level 3 heat health for Essex today, alongside the rest of the East of England as well as London and the South East, for those who are most vulnerable such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

Read more >>> Essex weather sees heat health alert warning issued as temperatures set to hit 32°C

Residents across the city have been taking advantage of the hot weather, swimming in the sea and sunbathing while others went for walks along the seafront and browsed in shops.

Here are our videos of the scenes as tons of families set up at Chalkwell Beach to catch some rays.

This video was taken from Chalkwell railway station bridge.

Read more >>> In pictures: Heatwave sparks summer mania as hundreds flock to Southend seafront

The weather is set to crash back down over the weekend, with 24°C predicted tomorrow and rain expected on Sunday.