With the mercury rising, visitors to Oulton Broad have basked in the summer sun throughout one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Eastern Daily Press: Sailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesSailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Temperatures around Lowestoft flew past the 30 mark for much of Friday, with barely a cloud in the sky.

Dozens rushed to Oulton Broad and Nicholas Everitt Park, as well as to the coast, with many taking to the water to cool down in the heat.

Lengthy sunny periods are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with light winds and a maximum temperature of 35C on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Early showers will fade on Saturday, becoming very hot in the south, with lengthy sunny periods generally.

Eastern Daily Press: Staff from Crisp's Gents Hairdressers enjoying their lunch break at Nicholas Everitt Park. PHOTO: Mick HowesStaff from Crisp's Gents Hairdressers enjoying their lunch break at Nicholas Everitt Park. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

“The heat may spark further showers later.”

Sunday through to Tuesday is likely to see a continuation of the heatwave, although with an increasing chance of thunderstorms.”

Eastern Daily Press: Sailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesSailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Cooling off in Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesCooling off in Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Sitting in the shade at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, on August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesSitting in the shade at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, on August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Sailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesSailing on Oulton Broad on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: London Road North in the sun on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesLondon Road North in the sun on Friday, August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, on August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick HowesNicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, on August 7, 2020. PHOTO: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)