The mercury hit 38C on Monday and could tip 40C, it is forecast. The weather caused some travel disruption, with Luton airport forced to halt flights due to runway damage. There were also impacts on rail services.

Meanwhile, a shake-up of UK wedding laws could see vows exchanged on cruise ships and on beaches. 

Here are the travel stories making national headlines on Tuesday 19 July.

UK set for hottest day today

The UK is set to see its hottest day on record, with temperatures expected to reach up to 42C (107.6F). A high of 38.1C was reached in Suffolk on Monday, just short of the UK record of 38.7C set in 2019. Wales recorded its hottest day ever with 37.1C. Several parts of France saw their hottest-ever days with the western city of Nantes recording 42C yesterday. (BBC News)

UK to permit beach and cruise ship weddings

Couples could soon be able to marry on beaches, in gardens and on cruise ships under the biggest overhaul of wedding law since the 19th century. The Law Commission proposes weddings should be able to take place in "any safe and dignified location", such as beaches, forests, parks and cruise ships. (Sky News)

Ryanair’s Spanish crews strike

Ryanair strikes in Spain will continue until Thursday, with cabin crew walkouts scheduled at 10 airports. A third wave of strikes is also planned for Monday - Thursday next week, as part of pay dispute. Affected airports include Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Seville, Palma and Ibiza. (The Sun)

Luton airport closes after runway melts

Luton airport suspended all flights for nearly three hours yesterday after the tarmac melted in boiling temperatures. The airport halted departures at around 3pm and diverted inbound flights. Flights began leaving the airport again at 5.40pm but inbound flights were still being suspended or diverted. (Daily Mirror)