IT has been the hottest day of the year, with the temperature topping 30c in Warrington.

So ice creams and cooling lunch breaks in the park have been the order of the day.

Guardian photographer Dave Gillespie captured some images of a scorching day in town.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Guardian:

And while ice creams were selling well in Golden Square, Queens Gardens was also packed with people enjoying the weather.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Guardian:

The high temperature is set to continue for the rest of the week, but sadly is predicted to dip to the low 20s for the weekend.

A 15-hour thunderstorm warning is in place meanwhile for late Tuesday into Wednesday.