Pictures taken on Monday, June 22, show hundreds of beachgoers flock to Brighton beach as temperatures have soared across Sussex.
The Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius in the county this week.
Red warnings for extreme heat have also been issued across southern England, warning that temperatures could reach the mid-30s Celsius early this week – before peaking even higher in some areas by midweek.
The heat will be intensified by high humidity levels, making conditions feel even warmer.
The Met Office said the heatwave is developing into an ‘impactful severe weather event’, that could bring record-breaking June temperatures.
If temperatures reach those levels, the current UK June temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976 and matched in London's Camden Square in 1957, could be broken.
1. In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast
In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast Photo: eddie mitchell
2. In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast
In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast Photo: eddie mitchell
3. In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast
In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast Photo: eddie mitchell
4. In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast
In Pictures: Residents flock to East Sussex beach as heatwave hits south coast Photo: eddie mitchell