Pictures have revealed how Newton Aycliffe, the hottest part of County Durham, looked as temperatures reached their peaks.
An amber warning for extreme heat permeated the day with increased risks of sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat-stroke.
It comes as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms for much of the North East this evening.
Read more: North East heatwave: Full list of shops and businesses shutting today
After which, cool air is set to be more prevalent, bringing temperatures down by a few degrees.
The County Durham town of Newton Aycliffe, however, was at the forefront of the extreme weather.
Temperatures reached as high as 38c during the peak of the heatwave, making it the hottest place in County Durham.
Read more: Thunderstorms to hit the North East and North Yorkshire
Much of the heat remains however, even as temperatures are set to fall many will still be feeling the heat.
Increasing humidity means that although temperatures fell by a few degrees to 32c by 6pm, hot and clammy air would continue to remain.
Pictures taken in the town today at around 2pm when temperatures were nearing their peak show very few people out enjoying the sunshine.
Few residents can be seen around the town donning their summer outfits as they brave the oppressive temperatures.
At the time, Northern Echo photographer, Sarah Caldecott, recorded a sweltering temperature of 38c at the time.
Read more: Weather: Newton Aycliffe set to be hottest part of North East
Elsewhere in the North East, other towns were suffering under the extreme heat with a grass fire being reported at Chilton.
Bin collections were suspended by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
The local authority apologised for the inconvenience but said it was needed to protect the health and safety of workers.
Tomorrow, thankfully, temperatures are expected to be at much friendlier levels with a maximum temperature of just 25c predicted for much of the North East.
Read more: H&M closes store at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham
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