UK heatwave: Hottest day of the year again for third day in a row

People flocked to Bournemouth beach as temperatures climbed to record temperatures in the south this year

It has been the hottest day of the year in the UK for the third day in a row.

Santon Downham, in Suffolk, recorded 32.7C (91F) on Friday afternoon followed by Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, which both recorded 32.4C.

Friday's record warm weather triggered an official heatwave and surpassed the previous day's high of 29.5C (85.1F).

The UK heatwave status was reached when Kew Gardens recorded three consecutive days with maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave threshold.

This varies in different parts of the country and for Kew it is 28C.

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But despite the warm weather in the south of the UK, the Met Office pointed out a marked difference in temperature further north with Glasgow recording 13.7C just after midday.

The record temperature comes close to the hottest June day ever in the UK, when the mercury reached the highs of 35.6C at Southampton Mayflower Park in June 1976 and Camden Square, London, in June 1957

The previous high this year was recorded at Northolt in west London.

The Met Office said the "unusual" temperatures for June were a result of high pressure over the southern half of the UK and a south-westerly airflow bringing warm air across to the UK from Europe.

In comparison temperatures in Zaragoza in Spain reached 40C, while in Bordeaux in France peaked at 32C.

Swimmers also took a dip at London Fields Lido in Hackney, East London

A man checks in on work during his lunch hour while on the beach in Southsea, Hampshire

Nobby the polar bear cools down in a lake at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster

Crowds enjoy the sea at Bournemouth Beach

The dress code at Royal Ascot was relaxed for spectators following the procession for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

A woman dons a large hat at Royal Ascot despite the heat

Across the UK, people flocked to beaches, parks and outdoor pools to make the most of the weather.

In Bournemouth, the town's council tweeted all of its seafront car parks had got full by 11.15.

At Guildford Lido in Surrey by 17:30 BST they had around 3,000 people visiting its outdoor pool.

Becca James, from the lido, told the BBC: "It's the busiest day we've had of the summer season so far and busiest day since we've come back from the pandemic, so really successful for us.

"Every has been really sensible. A few sun burns where we've had to step in and advise them to put sun tan lotion on and stay in the shade, but yeah a really good day."

In Berkshire, organisers at Royal Ascot relaxed the dress code for spectators of the horse racing event after there was a royal procession for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Heat warnings

Health officials have warned about the dangers of hot weather. A level three heat health alert issued by the government remains in place for London, the south-east and east of England.

Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "During periods of hot weather, it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

"Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat."

A woman takes a selfie as a man sunbathes on Bournemouth Beach

A woman poses for a photo in the moat of the Tower of London

Cyclists enjoy a ride along Boscombe Beach in Dorset

A group heads to the beach in Boscombe as cars queue up to park

A ring-tailed lemur cools down with a specially prepared ice lollypop at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Update 12 July: This article was updated to include the temperature in Camden Square, London, in June 1957 and to clarify in the first picture caption that the record temperatures in the south referred to this year.

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