The UK has experienced temperatures over 40C for the first time in recorded history, the Met Office has said. The temperature of 40.2C was recorded at London Heathrow at 12.50pm today (Tuesday).
The record could be beaten later today as temperatures are still climbing. There is some relief, with fresher conditions coming into the UK from the far west with cloud and showers, the Met Office said.
Parts of England and Wales are under a red warning for extreme heat, posing a danger to life, pressure on the NHS and disruption across transport networks. The extreme heat is fuelled by climate change, which is making every heatwave more intense, frequent and likely, scientists warn.
The new high for daytime temperatures comes after the UK experienced its warmest night on record on Monday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s. The Met Office warned temperatures were still climbing early on Tuesday afternoon
