The overall hottest temperature recorded so far in 2023 occurred on Sunday – but conditions have changed.
Coningsby in Lincolnshire hit 32.2 degrees Celsius, matching the same altitude in Chertsey, Surrey, on June 10.
Meanwhile, thunderstorms have hit areas across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland – and next week looks to be much cooler across the UK.
BBC Weather’s Tomasz Schafernaker said Sunday’s heat “marks the end of our current heatwave”.
He continued: “The end of the month looks considerably cooler, but we’re still on track for one of the warmest Junes in the UK since the records started.
“Some parts of England have been experiencing Mediterranean-like temperatures for more than two weeks.
“The weather is also consistently warmer than average in other parts of Europe.”
The Met Office said Sunday’s highest temperature in Coningsby was registered in the same location as the UK’s hottest day ever, when 40.3C was recorded on 19 May. 7 years ago during an extreme heat wave.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms was in place across the north of the country in the afternoon, with multiple reports of heavy rain and hail.
While the south is hot, storm clouds gather farther north
But while dark clouds rumbled north-east of Scotland and out to sea, temperatures continued to soar in the south.
London Fire Brigade said 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the grass fire that has engulfed two hectares of land at Rammey Marsh in Enfield, north London.
And New Wimbledon Theater was forced to cancel a performance of the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Musical due to “affecting working conditions on stage”.
Monday is expected to be cloudy, cloudy and showers in the north and west of the country, and more unsettled conditions are forecast in the coming days for many.
