Britain sizzles: Heatwave engulfs UK as it happened

As the sun slowly begins to set in Britain on this warmest of days, we are now shutting down the live blog.

For all the latest news of all other events across the world, please visit IBTimes UK

Brize Norton has now beaten Pershore with a top temperature of 33.5C, still not quite at the predicted 35C.

The Associated Press has just put out a break that says last month was the hottest June in modern history, marking the 14th consecutive month that global heat records have been broken. Presumably Britain didn't really contribute too much to this figure.

According to the the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "The globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces for June 2016 was the highest for the month of June in the NOAA global temperature dataset record, which dates back to 1880.

"This marks the 14th consecutive month the monthly global temperature record has been broken, the longest such streak in the 137-year record."

No British weather story would be complete without an update on how our transport system is falling apart because of it.

Great Western Railway has said that due to the hot weather, speed restrictions have been imposed at various locations between London Paddington and Reading to prevent damage to lines and as a result many services between London Paddington and Reading are being amended or cancelled.

Several services, including London Paddington to Oxford have been cancelled, and some Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington services will terminate at Swindon.

Full updates available here.

We have another update on the temperature as town in Worcestershire is now hottest in UK.

A new threshold has been crossed as the temperature at Heathrow reaches 33.2 degrees. Not only that but take a look at the almost total lack of cloud over the UK.

Will we reach 35 degrees?

Pictures are coming in of British people looking surly in the Blackpool sun. Also, loads of seagulls.

Big time animal fans, PETA UK, are here with some advice on how to keep your four-legged friend happy in the heat.

The main points:

• Stay inside
• Walk instead of running
• Lots of water and shade
• Be careful of their adorable, little paws on hot pavements
• Keep an eye on other dogs
• Don't leave them in parked cars

If you do find a dog stuck in a hot car then PETA has steps to follow: try to find the owner, call the police, stay on the scene and, if necessary, "take steps to remove the distressed animal from the car" (make sure you have witnesses around to back you up).

As the RSPCA says, "dogs die in hot cars".

Nothing is ever as good and simple as it seems, of course. Here to remind us that the weather isn't just there for your tan lines is the Met office, with warnings of thunderstorms. Not just thunderstorms, but #thunderstorms for most of the country north of London.

Not only did we here at IBTimes UK go out on the streets to talk to the populi about the hottest day of the year, we made a video with some of the best twitter reactions -if there's anywhere that knows how to react, it's twitter.

We also have an article which examines whether there is any truth behind the theories that fizzy water hydrates you better just plain old still water in the heat?

Quick answer is no, it doesn't.

From the article

The reason we enjoy carbonated water might come as a surprise. A study from the University of Southern California (USC), mentioned in this piece from Popular Science, suggests that the CO<sub>2 in carbonated water triggers the same pain receptors in the nasal cavity as spicy food.

So why do we enjoy something that make us feel (very mild) pain? "It may be a macho thing," one of the USC authors suggested. Though an earlier study showed that carbonation makes us perceive drinks as colder than they actually are – if you're looking for a refreshing drink on a hot summer's day, maybe the perceived cooling sensation of carbonated water could make it seem like a more cooling choice.

You can read the full piece here.

Also on IBTimes UK, we spoke to people around the busy Canary Wharf offices to see how they are coping with the heatwave.

Here we have more pics of people sleeping in parks across London today, as the Met Office warns no one will get any actually sleep tonight.

The Met Office confirms a temperature of 32.2C has been reached at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire as the country edges closer to that predicted 35C.

The London Ambulance Service has issued a statement saying they have responded to hundreds more calls as temperatures soar in the capital.

Yesterday (18 July) the Service attended 300 more category A calls – the most seriously ill and injured patients – compared to an average day.

Medical Director, Dr Fenella Wrigley is asking everyone to take care of themselves and repeated advice on how to act safe in the heat.

Fenella said:

We see an increase in calls because people forget to stay hydrated and the heat can exacerbate heart and breathing conditions.

Older people, the very young and people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk so please check on friends, family members and neighbours who are vulnerable.

We urge everyone out enjoying the sunshine to drink plenty of water, stay in the shade to keep cool, cover up, carry any essential medication with them and drink alcohol in moderation."

People who need treatment for a minor condition should consider other healthcare options, such as calling NHS 111 or visiting a minor injuries unit, NHS walk-in centre or local pharmacist.

If they need to go to hospital for non-emergency treatment, they should get a lift from a friend or relative or take a taxi."

We now have our egg-frying attempt, but if we're being completely honest the results are a little disappointing.

It's official!

As we edge closer o the hottest part of the day, here's a reminder of the tips from Public Health England on how to stay safe as the mercury rises:

Just checked to see if anyone has attempted to fry an egg on a car bonnet yet. No luck so far, but looks like the BBC will have us covered soon enough.

We have plenty of pictures of people sunbathing for you to enjoy while you're enjoying the weather yourselves, or worse, stuck at work.

The Met Office has just confirmed it has ready reached 28.3C at Heathrow and it's going to get even warmer throughout the day. Still expecting highs of 35C.

Google have revealed what all pasty Brits are typing into their search engine today. the result's aren't that surprising.

Some more tweets coming through as people make their way into work on the hottest day of the year:

What time will we hit the 35 degree high? Hope you've all got your shorts on...

Underground users complained of soaring temperatures this morning as packed tubes became unpleasant for commuters

It's hotter in the UK today than in Hawaii

Temperatures today have been described as 'tropical'

Wowza, 9am and it's already 23 degrees outside the IBTimes UK office.

Hot dog

Social media users are enjoying the heatwave:

Dr Angie Bone, Head of Extreme Events at Public Health England (PHE) said: "Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there's nothing to really worry about.

"But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.

"This summer we're urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you're able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated. This is a good time, before the warmer weather arrives, to think about who you may be able to assist and what you may be able to do. There's lots of guidance on NHS Choices and more detail in the Heatwave Plan for England."

How to protect yourself as the temperature rises

The Environment Agency has warned people not to take a dip in the River Thames, as tempting as that murky water may look...

Not even 8am and it's already getting pretty toasty outside. St John's Ambulance has tweeted a health warning...

Welcome to IBTimes UK's live blog on the UK heatwave. Wondering what temperature it is outside or whether you should invest in a desk fan? Follow our live updates for all the latest details on the warm weather.