SPECTATORS, visitors and athletes at Glasgow 2014 are toasting in temperatures up to 10°Celsius above the July average.

Bathing in heat and strong sunshine unexpected for even the height of summer, people were being offered bottled water at main transport hubs throughout the afternoon as Glasgow peaked at around 26°C (79°F).

According to the Met Office, this weather is not unusual for this time of year but the average Scottish temperatures in July are about 17°C (63°F).

Those involved in organising the event said last night there were no major weather-related problems emerging, with water distributed "for the public's comfort rather than safety".

Queues were still evident in the city's George Square yesterday as people tried to buy last-minute tickets, but they did not have the same three-hour waits many complained about on Wednesday.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde again urged the public to stay hydrated, to use sun creams and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol in the sun.

Maximum temperatures could reach 28°C today, although those heading eastwards to the Aquatics Pool in Edinburgh or the Shooting Centre at Carnoustie are likely to encounter some low cloud, mist and fog, especially this morning.

One key factor keeping the mercury higher has been the continuation of the high temperatures throughout the night, which have hit the seasonal average daytime figures.

But the Met Office did advise of a change on the way, which could be a relief for many of the athletes taking part in outdoor events.

A spokeswoman said that by the weekend the high pressure would weaken and give way to low pressure and fronts moving in from the north-west. This will bring a risk of rain and drizzle on Saturday afternoon and blustery showers on Sunday. The drop in temperature will be noticeable, with highs of only 20°C on Sunday, but still above the country's July average.

Next week will see further rain at times but, equally, some sunshine and dry weather between the showers. Temperatures will remain close to average.

Meanwhile, rail travellers faced a handful of cancellations and skipped stops as Glasgow's rail infrastructure was inundated with passengers on day one of the Games events.

Train stations in the city centre and nearby venues were bustling with visitors and spectators, with rush-hour commuters at Central Station queueing into the street to reach services from the low level platform.

ScotRail said it had delivered almost 40,000 additional rail journeys by 5pm on the first day of Games events.

The busiest stations were Central and Argyle Street, with Exhibition Centre being the most popular destination, with more than 16,000 journeys.

Yesterday was also the first day of ScotRail's one-way system, which aims to reduce congestion at the city's hub railway stations by splitting up passengers travelling in different directions.

Those heading westbound towards Renfrewshire and Ayrshire are to travel from Glasgow Central, while those going eastbound to Lanarkshire are to catch trains from nearby Argyle Street station. Rail services were also running to Edinburgh until 1am.

A ScotRail spokeswoman said a higher frequency of services, together with lots of people travelling - those going to the Games, regular travellers plus families enjoying a day out in the sunshine - had resulted in some delays and cancellations, but the vast majority of people had got to where they wanted to go.

She added: "Thursday was the first day of our 'one way system' for the Games, with those travelling east going to Argyle Street, and those heading west to Glasgow Central Low Level. Most of our regular customers are aware of the change and we have had extra staff on hand to assist."

Visitors and residents are being urged to walk and cycle where possible to reduce the pressure on public transport.

Drivers are also being advised to leave the car at home, with road closures and parking restrictions in place around venues, along with a number of Games lanes reserved for the Games athletes and officials.

There are expected to be an additional 270,000 journeys made by public transport in and around Glasgow today as 100,000 spectators and visitors travel around the six city venues hosting Games events.

Exhibition Centre station, next to the SECC, is expected to be one of the busiest train stations today.

Organisers also said the public should avoid Kelvinhall Subway station if possible because this is also expected to be highly busy for bowling events at Kelvingrove Park.

Most spectators said they had experienced no problems travelling to their venues yesterday. The majority had planned their journeys well, with some leaving as early as 5am from areas such as Falkirk to get to Glasgow.

At the Emirates Arena, spectators were full of praise for the organisers. The hot weather had undoubtedly added to a warm and relaxed atmosphere with police officers stopping and taking souvenir pictures for visitors.

Outside the arena, dozens of spectators and volunteers were enjoying a snack and a cool drink in the sunshine, between cycling and badminton events.

There was some criticism about the range of food available, mainly fried "gourmet" burgers and hot dogs with locally sourced meat. Some vendors had run out of sandwiches by midday.

Sisters Louisa and Sarah Russell, travelled from London to see the cycling events, which were given extra cachet by the appearance of Sir Chris Hoy and competitor Sir Bradley Wiggans. Prime Minister David Cameron also attended the events.

Louisa, who is a volunteer, said: "It's nice to see that it is being supported so well. It is putting Glasgow on the map.

"My only criticism would be the range of food available because it is mostly fried food."

Shops, cafes and pubs around the Games' venues were making the most of the increased passing trade, with flags decorating exteriors and outside tables and chairs to attract customers.

One Tollcross Road trader said he was hopeful the next 11 days would provide a welcome boost to takings, but added: "It could go either way."