UK heatwave: As it happened

Summary

Updates from Thursday 25 July 2019
UK has hottest July day on record, with 38.1C recorded at Cambridge
"Heat-related incidents" cause train delays and cancellations across UK
Europe is also experiencing the heatwave, with Paris reaching 40.6C
Network Rail warns of disruption where tracks are at risk of buckling
Forecasters say the heat could lead to downpours in some areas

Live Reporting

Jennifer Meierhans and Duncan Leatherdale

Playing it coolpublished at 10:18 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

Rescue dog Casey is playing it cool while she waits to find her forever home.
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Previous UK temperature recordspublished at 10:11 British Summer Time 25 July 2019
The last time it was more than 38C was in 2003

Forecasters are expecting temperatures in southern England to reach 39C on Thursday. The current record for the UK was 38.5C in Faversham, Kent, in 2003.
BBC News has mapped the hottest temperatures on record around the UK.
Burst water main affects thousands of Bristol homespublished at 10:02 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

Here are some people who might not be quite so excited by the prospect of a scorching day...
Thousands are without water in Bristol after a main burst on Royate Hill..
Bottled water will be handed to vulnerable people and bowsers are being sent out.
Sharna Smith, from Bristol Water, said it was too early to predict when the main would be repaired. "We are aiming reroute the supply around the damaged area. But our priority is to get water to people," she said.
Properties in Speedwell, Eastville, Fishponds, Lockleaze, Horfield, St George and Stapleton are affected.
How do they actually know how hot it is?published at 09:58 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

There is a lot of talk from the Met Office about how hot it is going to be (in short, very).
If like me you have ever wondered "how do they know that", watch this video from BBC Weather's Sarah Keith-Lucas.
If you haven't, watch it anyway, it may come in handy for a pub quiz one day.
Media caption,
Measuring temperature
👏👏👏👏👏published at 09:49 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

Nick Hyde hit the beach early in Northumberland to get a run done. Nick we salute you!
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Brace yourself for heat and journalistspublished at 09:42 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

It's not just the heat that is going to be burning down on people today.
BBC reporters are flocking to hotspots across the country, be sure to say hello and share your staying cool tips with them.
You can also contact us directly via email at england@bbc.co.uk or on Twitter at @BBCEngland, external.
Pictures of dogs particularly welcome.
Image source, Getty Images
UK braced for national heatpublished at 09:21 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

While southern and eastern England are braced for the biggest scorching, the rest of the UK should also be preparing for the heat according to the Met Office.
Temperatures of up to 39C (102.2F) are being forecast in southern and eastern England, with the Met Office saying there is a 60% chance the current record of 38.5C (101.3F), which was set in August 2003, will be broken.
Image source, Getty Images
But it is also expected to be a tad warm elsewhere, with parts of Scotland expected to see temperatures close to 30C and areas of Wales actually hitting 30C.
Anyone looking to avoid the heat may want to head to Northern Ireland where a weather front should keep the heat at a more balmy 22C.
The wrong sort of sun on the linepublished at 09:18 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

Is the sunshine scuppering your commute?
It might be if you're taking the train today - temperatures on the tracks could top 50C in direct sunlight, which could cause them to buckle.
Network Rail says train speeds will have to be reduced on the West Coast main line, Chiltern line and other services.
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Hot dogs and cool catspublished at 09:10 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

It's not just babies struggling in the heat, spare a thought for our furry friends.
BBC Newsround has some advice on how to keep your pets as chilled out as this cat.
Image caption,
UK Heatwave: Current mood
Your pictures: Early temperatures risingpublished at 09:05 British Summer Time 25 July 2019
BBC Weather Watchers

Our BBC Weather Watchers are already out on a day that could see record-breaking temperatures in the UK.
Jeff has posted this scene saying it's already 21C (70F) in Sandon Staffordshire.
Image source, Jeff
This is Peter Steggles's view in Longnor, Shropshire.
Image source, Peter Steggles
And this sunny scene was taken by Janiejane13 in Hereford.
Image source, Janiejane13
How did you sleep last night?published at 08:51 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

Windows open? Fan on?
One leg in the covers, one leg out?
If you're struggling to get some decent shut eye in this weather, fear not. Tonight is going to be better with these handy tips to help you drift off - including chilling your socks in the fridge.
Yes, really. Cooling your feet is the key to lowering your temperature. Who knew?
Image source, Getty Images
How to keep your baby coolpublished at 08:39 British Summer Time 25 July 2019
Emma Kasprzak
BBC Online

The UK heatwave is trending on Google with lots of parents turning to the search engine to find out how to keep their little ones safe in the heat.
This video from BBC Family has some tips from baby Leo for keeping cool in hot weather.
Pro tip: Paddling pools make great foot spas once the kids are in bed.
Media caption,
How to keep your baby safe in hot weather
Braced for hottest day on recordpublished at 08:25 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

The Met Office said there was a 70% chance of the current record of 38.5C (101.3F) from August 2003 being broken.
Network Rail warned of disruption in areas where tracks were at risk of buckling - with many rail firms advising passengers not to travel.
Image source, Image copyrightDANNY LAWSON/PA WIRE
Heatwave: Will the UK record fall?published at 08:17 British Summer Time 25 July 2019

With temperatures forecast to reach up to an all-time high of 39C in southern and eastern England on Thursday, we'll be bringing you the latest news, information and pictures from across the UK.