It’s the hottest day of the year so far with Bournemouth set to sizzle in temperatures of 27C today.

Ringwood is set to be the hottest place in the area with the mercury peaking at 30C later this afternoon.  

Public Health England (PHE) is advising a common-sense approach to dealing with the heatwave.

Keep hydrated

People are urged to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, close curtains to keeps rooms cool, open windows and avoid people and animals being left in closed, parked vehicles that can get extremely hot.

Stay cool

There are also warnings to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoid physical exertion at the hottest times of the day and stay in the shade - and to put on a hat and wear sunscreen.

Dr Angie Bone, PHE's head of extreme events, said: "For some people - such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children - summer heat can bring real health risks.

"This summer we're urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you're able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated."

Watch out for heat stroke

St John Ambulance has also issued advice, urging people to be aware of headaches, dizziness and cramp which can be signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Clive James, from the charity, said: "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars, so it's essential that people can spot the signs - such as headache and dizziness - and get them somewhere cool and rehydrated as soon as possible."

Babies, young children and the elderly

Public Health England (PHE) is urging people to look out for elderly relatives and friends who may be susceptible to the high temperatures - and to take extra care of young children, babies and those with heath issues.

Pollen levels will be high over the country for the next few days, causing havoc for hay fever sufferers - and there may be another restless night on Tuesday as temperatures reach 22C (71.6F) overnight.

The hot weather has been caused by a warm plume of air that has worked its way northwards from Spain, the Met Office said.

Forecaster Grahame Madge said: "The July temperature record was set on July 1 last year with 36.7C (98.1F) at Heathrow.

"We are not suggesting that temperature will be exceeded by anything we have got this week, but the temperatures that we do have will be the warmest we have seen in the last 12 months."

On Wednesday, Dorset will see highs reaching 25C, but by Thursday fresher conditions from the Atlantic will bring temperatures down to 20C.

If you’re lucky enough to have the day off, the ways to cool down are endless with the beach right on our doorstep.

But for those of us stuck indoors, days like this can be difficult to work through.

Six ways to cool down in Bournemouth

1. Go for a paddle or swim in the sea

An obvious one we know but we’re blessed with seven miles of award-winning beaches so go and make the most of it. Today’s sea temperature is a very pleasant 16.1C so why not take the plunge?

2. Splash about in the fountains at Pier Approach

It only opened last spring but the water feature has become a huge hit with big kids and little kids during hot weather.

3. Hit the shops

No air con at work? Lots of the shops do so if ever you needed an excuse to go shopping, this is it.

4. Head to the sprinklers in the Lower Gardens

As well as keeping the grass, flowers and plants nice and healthy during the hot weather, the mist from the sprinklers gives you a much needed mini cool down as you walk by.

5. Visit Lymington Lido

OK, not strictly in Bournemouth but it’s the UK largest open air sea water pool and it’s right on your doorstep. The attraction reopened in May following a £50k refurb.

6. Have an ice cream

It’s hot so your boss has to buy you ice cream, surely?

How are you keeping your cool? we'd love to see your photos. Email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk