{"id":3718,"date":"2019-10-17T10:38:59","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T08:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobrumi.fr\/?p=3718"},"modified":"2019-10-17T10:38:59","modified_gmt":"2019-10-17T08:38:59","slug":"royaume-uni-la-grande-bretagne-sapprete-a-enregistrer-sa-journee-la-plus-chaude-jamais-enregistree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobrumi.fr\/?p=3718","title":{"rendered":"Royaume-Uni: la Grande-Bretagne s'appr\u00eate \u00e0 enregistrer sa journ\u00e9e la plus chaude jamais enregistr\u00e9e"},"content":{"rendered":"

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La Grande-Bretagne a connu sa journ\u00e9e la plus chaude hier apr\u00e8s avoir enregistr\u00e9 une temp\u00e9rature de 101,66 \u00b0 F dans le Cambridgeshire.<\/p>\n

Le Met Office devrait confirmer que le chiffre enregistr\u00e9 dans les jardins botaniques de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de Cambridge est sup\u00e9rieur au 101.3F observ\u00e9 \u00e0 Faversham, dans le Kent, en ao\u00fbt 2003. <\/p>\n

Les experts sont en train de valider ces chiffres, qui, s\u2019ils le confirment, seront officiellement le jour le plus chaud en Grande-Bretagne depuis le d\u00e9but des records en 1853. <\/p>\n

Les scientifiques vont v\u00e9rifier le mat\u00e9riel pour voir s'il a \u00e9t\u00e9 correctement calibr\u00e9 avant de faire l'annonce. <\/p>\n

Dans des conditions extr\u00eames, les trains ont \u00e9t\u00e9 retard\u00e9s par crainte que les rails ne se gondolent sous l'effet de la chaleur, tandis que les conseils municipaux ont \u00e9t\u00e9 oblig\u00e9s d'envoyer du sable qui r\u00e9pandait du sable parce que le tarmac \u00e0 la surface de la route avait commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 fondre. <\/p>\n

Les temp\u00e9ratures record britanniques ont \u00e9t\u00e9 r\u00e9pliqu\u00e9es \u00e0 travers l'Europe, avec des temp\u00e9ratures sup\u00e9rieures \u00e0 107 \u00b0 F enregistr\u00e9es aux Pays-Bas. <\/p>\n

Le Dr Mark McCarthy du Centre national du climat (CNIC) du Met Office a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: \u00abEn tant que source officielle de statistiques m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques pour le Royaume-Uni, nous prenons tr\u00e8s au s\u00e9rieux la qualit\u00e9 de nos enregistrements.<\/p>\n

\u00abNous parlons d'un nouveau record potentiel pour la temp\u00e9rature la plus \u00e9lev\u00e9e enregistr\u00e9e au Royaume-Uni et nous devons donc \u00e9tudier de mani\u00e8re approfondie l'observation avec nos partenaires du jardin botanique de l'universit\u00e9 de Cambridge, par le biais d'analyses statistiques et en visitant le site et les \u00e9quipements et en y veillant. n'y a pas de probl\u00e8mes potentiels. <\/p>\n

Le Met Office indique que les enregistrements m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques ne sont utilis\u00e9s que sur les sites d\u2019observation m\u00e9t\u00e9orologique avec des instruments \u00e9talonn\u00e9s et standard et une exposition soigneusement surveill\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

L'organisation dispose d'observations de stations individuelles dans une base de donn\u00e9es num\u00e9rique remontant \u00e0 1853, mais il existe \u00e9galement des enregistrements papier historiques qui remontent encore plus loin. <\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n

Le Met Office a r\u00e9v\u00e9l\u00e9 qu\u2019un nouvel enregistrement provisoire de 38,7 \u00b0 C avait \u00e9t\u00e9 enregistr\u00e9 au Cambridge Botanic Garden<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Le<\/div>\n

Le Met Office a annonc\u00e9 aujourd'hui qu'il v\u00e9rifiait un chiffre provisoire enregistr\u00e9 jeudi au Botanic Garden de l'Universit\u00e9 de Cambridge, mais que cela n\u00e9cessiterait un \u00abcontr\u00f4le de la qualit\u00e9 et une analyse\u00bb au cours des prochains jours (photo, l'annonce)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Alors<\/div>\n

Alors que certaines parties de l'Europe sont rest\u00e9es chaudes vendredi, ce n'\u00e9tait rien compar\u00e9 \u00e0 la journ\u00e9e record de jeudi, qui a vu l'Allemagne, le Luxembourg, la Belgique et les Pays-Bas enregistrer leurs journ\u00e9es les plus chaudes (temp\u00e9ratures \u00e0 la surface illustr\u00e9es jeudi; les zones blanches indiquent des nuages)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Sur<\/div>\n

Sur la photo: vue sur le jardin botanique de l'universit\u00e9 de Cambridge, o\u00f9 la nouvelle temp\u00e9rature record a \u00e9t\u00e9 enregistr\u00e9e<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les gens profitent du soleil sur la plage de Bournemouth hier alors que le Royaume-Uni a d\u00e9pass\u00e9 la plus chaude journ\u00e9e de juillet jamais enregistr\u00e9e. Il a \u00e9t\u00e9 r\u00e9v\u00e9l\u00e9 aujourd'hui qu'une temp\u00e9rature enregistr\u00e9e \u00e0 Cambridge pourrait d\u00e9passer le record de tous les temps<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les enfants sautent dans l'eau de la rivi\u00e8re Hamble dans le Hampshire hier apr\u00e8s-midi pour se rafra\u00eechir par temps chaud<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Sunbathers<\/div>\n

Sunbathers \u00e0 Hampstead Heath alors que la Grande-Bretagne \u00e9tait sous le feu de la chaleur hier en ce qui \u00e9tait la deuxi\u00e8me journ\u00e9e la plus chaude du Royaume-Uni <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Sur<\/div>\n

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\"Sur<\/div>\n

Sunbathers \u00e0 Hyde Park, dans le centre de Londres, hier, alors que les temp\u00e9ratures ont mont\u00e9 en fl\u00e8che \u00e0 travers le pays, faisant fondre les routes lors du deuxi\u00e8me jour le plus chaud de l'histoire du Royaume-Uni<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Mebea<\/div>\n

Mebea Kichaw, cinq ans, et sa soeur Nitsuh, sept ans, jouent hier aux fontaines de Piccadilly Gardens, dans le centre-ville de Manchester<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Un<\/div>\n

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\"Une<\/div>\n

Un homme se bat dans la chaleur sur la ligne nord \u00e0 Londres (\u00e0 gauche), tandis qu'une femme s'\u00e9ponge le front sur le Victoria (\u00e0 droite) hier<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les Sunseekers affluent aujourd'hui vers la plage de Goodrington Sands, dans le Devon, pour ce qui devrait \u00eatre la journ\u00e9e la plus chaude de Grande-Bretagne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Un<\/div>\n

Un garde-vie de la Reine affronte la chaleur accablante alors qu'il se fait remarquer lors du d\u00e9fil\u00e9 Horse Guards \u00e0 Whitehall \u00e0 Londres hier apr\u00e8s-midi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"D'\u00e9normes<\/div>\n

D'\u00e9normes files d'attente pour se rendre hier au Lido de Hyde Park \u00e0 Londres, ce qui pourrait \u00eatre le jour le plus chaud jamais enregistr\u00e9 en Grande-Bretagne <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

R\u00e9v\u00e9lant les temp\u00e9ratures provisoirement enregistr\u00e9es, un porte-parole du Met Office a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: "Aujourd'hui, l'\u00e9quipe d'observation du Met Office a re\u00e7u un nouveau chiffre provisoire de 101.66F (38.7C) du jardin botanique de l'universit\u00e9 de Cambridge. <\/p>\n

\u00abLa temp\u00e9rature la plus \u00e9lev\u00e9e enregistr\u00e9e pour le Royaume-Uni est de 101,3 \u00b0 F (38,5 \u00b0 C), enregistr\u00e9e \u00e0 Faversham en ao\u00fbt 2003. <\/p>\n

\u00abLa temp\u00e9rature enregistr\u00e9e hier au jardin botanique de l'universit\u00e9 de Cambridge n\u00e9cessitera un contr\u00f4le de la qualit\u00e9 et une analyse au cours des prochains jours. Si elle est valid\u00e9e, elle deviendra la temp\u00e9rature la plus \u00e9lev\u00e9e enregistr\u00e9e officiellement au Royaume-Uni.<\/p>\n

"Les temp\u00e9ratures officielles ont atteint hier \u00e0 Cambridge une temp\u00e9rature record de 38,1 \u00b0 C, \u00e9tablissant un nouveau record actuel pour la temp\u00e9rature la plus \u00e9lev\u00e9e de juillet." <\/p>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les gens essaient de se calmer apr\u00e8s les hautes temp\u00e9ratures sur le lac Serpentine de Hyde Park \u00e0 Londres hier apr\u00e8s-midi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"L'\u00e9norme<\/div>\n

L'\u00e9norme file d'attente devant le Tooting Bec Lido dans le sud de Londres hier apr\u00e8s-midi alors que les gens tentent d'entrer \u00e0 l'int\u00e9rieur pour se baigner<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les nageurs se calment en sautant dans la rivi\u00e8re Swale \u00e0 Richmond, dans le North Yorkshire, hier, alors que la vague de chaleur se poursuit <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les amateurs de soleil ont profit\u00e9 de la chaleur \u00e9touffante d'hier pour se d\u00e9tendre sur la plage de Margate, dans le Kent, alors que la Grande-Bretagne fondait <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les gens ont appr\u00e9ci\u00e9 le temps chaud sur la plage de Brighton dans l'East Sussex, alors que le Royaume-Uni a profit\u00e9 de la journ\u00e9e la plus chaude de juillet enregistr\u00e9e hier<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Si<\/div>\n

Si la temp\u00e9rature \u00e0 Cambridge est valid\u00e9e, elle deviendra officiellement la temp\u00e9rature la plus \u00e9lev\u00e9e enregistr\u00e9e au Royaume-Uni, d\u00e9passant les 101,3 \u00b0 F (38,5 \u00b0 C) observ\u00e9es \u00e0 Faversham, dans le Kent, en ao\u00fbt 2003.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

La nouvelle nous parvient alors que les passagers \u00e0 Heathrow ont \u00e9t\u00e9 laiss\u00e9s endormis sur le sol sur des tapis de style yoga alors qu'ils continuaient \u00e0 subir le chaos de voyage caus\u00e9 par le temps. <\/p>\n

Et les perspectives de voyage restent sombres aujourd'hui – avec les r\u00e9percussions des retards et des annulations sur les vols \u00e0 destination et en provenance de Heathrow et de Gatwick pour le reste de la journ\u00e9e – tandis que certains passagers sont bloqu\u00e9s dans les avions depuis 10 heures. <\/p>\n

Et les temp\u00eates vont se poursuivre ce week-end avec des parties de Londres d\u00e9j\u00e0 secou\u00e9es par les averses de ce matin et six pouces de pluie qui vont tomber dans le nord-est demain, entra\u00eenant un risque d'inondation. <\/p>\n

Plus de 30 vols ont \u00e9t\u00e9 supprim\u00e9s \u00e0 Heathrow depuis la nuit derni\u00e8re, 19 autres ont \u00e9t\u00e9 supprim\u00e9s \u00e0 Gatwick, d'autres ont \u00e9t\u00e9 annul\u00e9s \u00e0 Luton et Stansted, tandis que les services sont \u00e9galement affect\u00e9s aux a\u00e9roports de Manchester, Liverpool et Bristol. <\/p>\n

Des temp\u00eates g\u00e9n\u00e9ralis\u00e9es en Europe ont entra\u00een\u00e9 la mise en place de restrictions de trafic a\u00e9rien autour du continent, d'une r\u00e9duction du nombre d'avions autoris\u00e9s \u00e0 voler et d'un retard accumul\u00e9 au sol dans les a\u00e9roports britanniques, qui est toujours en cours d'\u00e9limination. <\/p>\n

Le service normal reprend pour certains a\u00e9roports, notamment Luton et Stansted, tandis que le r\u00e9seau de trains dans le sud et le sud-est est plong\u00e9 dans le chaos en raison des c\u00e2bles \u00e9lectriques a\u00e9riens endommag\u00e9s par la chaleur. <\/p>\n

De grandes foules se sont \u00e9galement rassembl\u00e9es \u00e0 Saint Pancras aujourd'hui, o\u00f9 les passagers de l'Eurostar sont confront\u00e9s \u00e0 des retards "ind\u00e9termin\u00e9s" sur les trains \u00e0 destination de Paris en raison d'un c\u00e2ble \u00e9clat\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Les vacanciers sont \u00e9galement confront\u00e9s \u00e0 des retards pouvant aller jusqu\u2019\u00e0 une heure sur les trains Eurostar \u00e0 destination de Bruxelles en raison des risques de flambage des rails par temps tr\u00e8s chaud en Europe, tandis que le vendredi est \u00e9galement le jour le plus achaland\u00e9 pour le service, ce qui signifie qu\u2019il ya moins de si\u00e8ges vides \u00e0 offrir aux passagers dont les trajets ont \u00e9t\u00e9 r\u00e9arrang\u00e9s. <\/p>\n

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\"Des<\/div>\n

Des adultes et des enfants ont \u00e9t\u00e9 photographi\u00e9s couch\u00e9s sur des matelas fournis par le personnel d'Heathrow au terminal 5 ce matin pour tenter de se reposer en attendant les d\u00e9tails de leur vol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Ce<\/div>\n

Ce matin, d'autres personnes \u00e0 Heathrow ont \u00e9t\u00e9 photographi\u00e9es en train de dormir sur des si\u00e8ges ou couch\u00e9es par terre sur des couvertures et des serviettes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Sur<\/div>\n

Sur la photo, une femme \u00e0 Heathrow ce matin a montr\u00e9 des signes de tension en se tenant la t\u00eate entre ses mains, les passagers attendant plusieurs heures avant de savoir quand et si leur vol partirait.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Une<\/div>\n

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\"Un<\/div>\n

Des passagers en col\u00e8re ont critiqu\u00e9 le personnel des compagnies a\u00e9riennes et des a\u00e9roports sur les m\u00e9dias sociaux, un utilisateur des m\u00e9dias sociaux reprochant \u00e0 Heathrow d'avoir gard\u00e9 sa s\u0153ur dans l'avion pendant une nuit, alors qu'un autre a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 qu'ils \u00e9taient assis dans l'avion pendant deux heures \u00e0 Heathrow ce matin en raison d'une 'manque de personnel au sol'<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pendant<\/div>\n

Pendant ce temps, un "c\u00e2ble explosant" a entra\u00een\u00e9 la suspension des trains Eurostar reliant Saint-Pancras \u00e0 Paris. Aujourd'hui, de grandes foules se rassemblent \u00e0 la gare de Londres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les familles ont \u00e9t\u00e9 vues \u00e0 St Pancras aujourd'hui avec des valises empil\u00e9es dans l'attente d'informations sur leur capacit\u00e9 \u00e0 partir en vacances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Certains<\/div>\n

Certains passagers \u00e0 Heathrow ont re\u00e7u des sacs de couchage la nuit derni\u00e8re dans l'un des h\u00f4tels situ\u00e9s pr\u00e8s de l'a\u00e9roport et ont \u00e9t\u00e9 photographi\u00e9s campant en masse sur le sol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les files d'attente tournent autour du terminal 5 \u00e0 Heathrow aujourd'hui, alors que les vacanciers assi\u00e9g\u00e9s tentent de s'\u00e9loigner pour leurs vacances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Un<\/div>\n

Un homme s'est m\u00eame cal\u00e9 contre une machine d'enregistrement \u00e0 Heathrow aujourd'hui, photographi\u00e9, pour se reposer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les panneaux d'information \u00e0 Heathrow aujourd'hui, montr\u00e9s sur la photo, montraient que plusieurs vols avaient \u00e9t\u00e9 annul\u00e9s au cours de cet apr\u00e8s-midi, des probl\u00e8mes de contr\u00f4le du trafic a\u00e9rien affectant l'a\u00e9roport le reste de la journ\u00e9e.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Les<\/div>\n

Les temp\u00e9ratures au Royaume-Uni seront beaucoup plus fra\u00eeches aujourd'hui (\u00e0 gauche) avec des pluies et des nuages \u200b\u200bdurant le week-end (au centre et \u00e0 droite)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Des horaires d\u2019urgence sont en place, Thameslink ne r\u00e9alisant que la moiti\u00e9 de ses liaisons et de nombreuses autres lignes s\u2019attendant \u00e0 des perturbations tout au long de la journ\u00e9e, notamment le Grand Anglia, le Great Northern, l\u2019East Midlands et le Stansted Express. <\/p>\n

Un grand nombre de voyageurs ont exprim\u00e9 leur col\u00e8re sur les m\u00e9dias sociaux. Un utilisateur de Twitter a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: \u00abQuel embarras absolu pour nos services de transport, ils se sont tous effondr\u00e9s ce soir. Un peu de chaleur et l'infrastructure de nombreuses lignes de train \u00e9chouent. ' <\/p>\n

Le chaos des voyages a commenc\u00e9 hier soir.<\/p>\n

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Des milliers de personnes endurent les voyages \u00e0 travers la Grande-Bretagne alors que 24 heures d'orage et de temps chaud font des ravages parmi les avions et les trains<\/h3>\n
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CHAOS SUR LES AVIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

Des milliers de passagers sont rest\u00e9s bloqu\u00e9s pendant 16 heures apr\u00e8s que le mauvais temps ait sem\u00e9 le chaos pour les vols de nuit.<\/p>\n

British Airways a annul\u00e9 au moins 32 vols sur Heathrow<\/span> aujourd'hui jusqu'\u00e0 pr\u00e9sent. <\/p>\n

Et d\u2019autres annulations et retards sont en place tout au long de la journ\u00e9e vers des destinations aussi vari\u00e9es que \u00c9dimbourg, Gen\u00e8ve et Boston. <\/p>\n

En attendant, 19 vols ont \u00e9t\u00e9 annul\u00e9s sur Gatwick<\/span>, affectant les voyages aussi tard que 21 heures ce soir.<\/p>\n

Les vols semblent \u00eatre revenus \u00e0 la normale \u00e0 la fois Luton<\/span> et Stansted<\/span>, qui a \u00e9galement connu des retards et des annulations du jour au lendemain. <\/p>\n

Les probl\u00e8mes techniques au centre de contr\u00f4le de la circulation a\u00e9rienne de Swanwick ont \u200b\u200b\u00e9galement aggrav\u00e9 le probl\u00e8me – sans aucune information sur le moment o\u00f9 les probl\u00e8mes seront r\u00e9solus. <\/p>\n

Cela signifie que les vols \u00e0 destination et en provenance de Heathrow et de Gatwick seront affect\u00e9s pour le reste de la journ\u00e9e. <\/p>\n

Les probl\u00e8mes sont apparus apr\u00e8s la mise en place de restrictions du trafic a\u00e9rien en Europe par une temp\u00eate, ce qui a entra\u00een\u00e9 une r\u00e9duction du nombre d'avions autoris\u00e9s \u00e0 d\u00e9coller.<\/p>\n

Les compagnies a\u00e9riennes ont donc d\u00fb retarder, voire annuler, leurs services, les passagers restant bloqu\u00e9s dans des avions ou dans des terminaux.<\/p>\n

La foudre et les turbulences accrues dans toute l\u2019Europe mena\u00e7aient les avions. <\/p>\n

Les compagnies a\u00e9riennes ont \u00e9galement \u00e9t\u00e9 bloqu\u00e9es parce que les vols en provenance d'Europe ont \u00e9t\u00e9 annul\u00e9s, les laissant ainsi priv\u00e9s d'avions. <\/p>\n

CHAOS EN TRAINS: <\/span><\/p>\n

Les compagnies ferroviaires travaillent pour r\u00e9parer les d\u00e9g\u00e2ts caus\u00e9s par la chaleur extr\u00eame mais affirment que la perturbation devrait se poursuivre aujourd'hui.<\/p>\n

De nombreuses lignes de train ont subi des dommages structurels dans la chaleur avec des lignes a\u00e9riennes endommag\u00e9es. <\/p>\n

Une limite de vitesse \u00e9tait en place hier sur le r\u00e9seau pour emp\u00eacher les pistes de gondoler – ce qui a entra\u00een\u00e9 des retards suppl\u00e9mentaires. <\/p>\n

Network Rail a conseill\u00e9 aux passagers de v\u00e9rifier aupr\u00e8s de leur op\u00e9rateur ferroviaire avant de voyager.<\/p>\n

Certains op\u00e9rateurs ont offert des billets passagers samedi et dimanche s'ils ne sont pas en mesure de voyager aujourd'hui.<\/p>\n

La vitesse des trains est r\u00e9duite afin de r\u00e9duire le risque de d\u00e9formation des voies ferr\u00e9es apr\u00e8s de multiples incidents sur le r\u00e9seau, notamment des probl\u00e8mes d\u2019\u00e9quipement a\u00e9rien sur la ligne entre Kentish Town et West Hampstead et un incendie pr\u00e8s du chemin de fer \u00e0 West Hampstead. <\/p>\n

Des trains plus lents signifient une capacit\u00e9 r\u00e9duite \u00e0 g\u00e9rer des services, car cela entra\u00eenerait sinon un \u00e9norme retard de d\u00e9veloppement. <\/p>\n

Services sur Chemin de fer des Midlands de l'Ouest<\/span>, Grande Anglie<\/span> et Ligne principale de la c\u00f4te est<\/span> semble revenir \u00e0 la normale apr\u00e8s les retards de ce matin.<\/p>\n

Mais Thameslink <\/span>n\u2019ex\u00e9cute toujours que la moiti\u00e9 de ses services normaux et demande instamment aux passagers de ne pas voyager si possible, les trains \u00e9tant toujours gravement touch\u00e9s par les dommages caus\u00e9s aux c\u00e2bles \u00e9lectriques.<\/p>\n

Trains East Midlands<\/span> a \u00e9galement mis en place un horaire d'urgence et demande aux passagers de ne pas voyager sur son service entre London St Pancras et Nottingham et Sheffield. <\/p>\n

Certains op\u00e9rateurs ont offert des billets passagers samedi et dimanche s'ils ne sont pas en mesure de voyager aujourd'hui. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Le m\u00e9t\u00e9orologue du bureau m\u00e9t\u00e9orologique, Greg Dewhurst, a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 que les orages pourraient continuer jusqu'\u00e0 vendredi, ce qui augmenterait les risques d'interruption du voyage.<\/p>\n

Il a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: \u00abLes orages pourraient continuer de fa\u00e7on intermittente tout au long de la journ\u00e9e. Il y a assez d'\u00e9nergie dans l'atmosph\u00e8re pour la maintenir.<\/p>\n

Les temp\u00e9ratures vont du milieu de la vingtaine au plus bas vendredi, a ajout\u00e9 M. Dewhurst. <\/p>\n

Dans une d\u00e9claration concernant l'accident syst\u00e8me survenu au centre de contr\u00f4le de la circulation a\u00e9rienne de Swanwick, Nats a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: \u00abNous avons un probl\u00e8me technique avec un syst\u00e8me situ\u00e9 au contr\u00f4le de la circulation a\u00e9rienne de Swanwick qui entra\u00eene certaines restrictions de vol. <\/p>\n

"Nous faisons tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour r\u00e9gler le probl\u00e8me le plus rapidement possible."<\/p>\n

Le partenaire europ\u00e9en des Nats, Eurocontrol, a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 que les probl\u00e8mes d'\u00e9quipement posaient des probl\u00e8mes \u00e0 Heathrow et \u00e0 Gatwick.<\/p>\n

Il a ajout\u00e9 que les retards ont \u00e9t\u00e9 r\u00e9duits "mais restent \u00e9lev\u00e9s".<\/p>\n

Nats \u00e9tait incapable de dire si les probl\u00e8mes \u00e9taient li\u00e9s \u00e0 la m\u00e9t\u00e9o.<\/p>\n

Des probl\u00e8mes techniques affectent \u00e9galement les syst\u00e8mes de contr\u00f4le du trafic a\u00e9rien \u00e0 travers l'Europe continentale. <\/p>\n

L'agence europ\u00e9enne de coordination du trafic a\u00e9rien, Eurocontrol, a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 que le probl\u00e8me \u00e9tait d\u00fb \u00e0 un "probl\u00e8me d'affichage radar" et qu'il y aurait des d\u00e9lais "\u00e9lev\u00e9s" pour les vols \u00e0 destination de Heathrow et Gatwick pour le reste de la journ\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Les compagnies a\u00e9riennes ont pr\u00e9sent\u00e9 leurs excuses aux passagers et certaines offrent des chambres d'h\u00f4tel, des bons de restauration ou des remboursements.<\/p>\n

Les probl\u00e8mes de contr\u00f4le du trafic a\u00e9rien signifient qu'une limite a \u00e9t\u00e9 impos\u00e9e aux vols pouvant \u00eatre dans le ciel en m\u00eame temps et aggravera le retard accumul\u00e9 du fait que les avions restent immobilis\u00e9s au sol. Il survient apr\u00e8s que la temp\u00eate ait mis en danger les avions en raison de la foudre et de la turbulence accrue. <\/p>\n

Un utilisateur de r\u00e9seau social a r\u00e9v\u00e9l\u00e9 que sa s\u0153ur avait \u00e9t\u00e9 bloqu\u00e9e dans un avion et avait sabl\u00e9 Heathrow, ajoutant: \u00abMa s\u0153ur avec ses petits enfants est rest\u00e9e coinc\u00e9e dans un avion pendant 10 heures et il n'a jamais d\u00e9coll\u00e9. Ils n\u2019ont pas laiss\u00e9 sortir les passagers, je suis s\u00fbr qu\u2019ils voulaient \u00e9viter la foule. Mais 10 heures dans un avion au repos est une frustration de niveau 3. Bravo Heathrow. <\/p>\n

Un porte-parole d'Easyjet a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: 'En raison des conditions m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques d\u00e9favorables hier soir, easyJet, comme d'autres compagnies a\u00e9riennes, a subi des perturbations dans son programme de vols \u00e0 Londres Gatwick, Londres Stansted, Londres Luton, Liverpool, Manchester et Bristol.<\/p>\n

\u00abNous mettons tout en \u0153uvre pour minimiser l'impact de la perturbation sur nos clients et pour organiser des d\u00e9placements alternatifs. Les clients des vols annul\u00e9s ont la possibilit\u00e9 de transf\u00e9rer leur vol gratuitement ou de recevoir un remboursement. Nous avons \u00e9galement fourni des chambres d'h\u00f4tel et des repas aux clients qui en ont fait la demande. Tous les clients qui se sont arrang\u00e9s pour la leur seront rembours\u00e9s pour des frais raisonnables.<\/p>\n

\u00abLa s\u00e9curit\u00e9 et le bien-\u00eatre de nos clients et de notre \u00e9quipe sont notre priorit\u00e9 absolue.<\/p>\n

"Bien que cela \u00e9chappe \u00e0 notre contr\u00f4le, nous aimerions nous excuser pour tout inconv\u00e9nient occasionn\u00e9 par le mauvais temps."<\/p>\n

Un porte-parole de British Airways a ajout\u00e9: \u00abComme toutes les compagnies a\u00e9riennes, nous avons \u00e9t\u00e9 affect\u00e9s par des conditions m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques d\u00e9favorables jusqu'au lendemain et aujourd'hui, ainsi qu'un probl\u00e8me technique li\u00e9 au contr\u00f4le de la circulation a\u00e9rienne r\u00e9duisant le nombre d'arriv\u00e9es dans les a\u00e9roports de Heathrow et Gatwick.<\/p>\n

\u00abNous faisons tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour minimiser les perturbations et nos \u00e9quipes travaillent sans rel\u00e2che pour que le plus grand nombre possible de nos clients puissent partir en voyage.<\/p>\n

\u00abNous nous sommes excus\u00e9s aupr\u00e8s de nos clients et nous les avons r\u00e9enregistr\u00e9s sur des services alternatifs ou leur avons propos\u00e9 un h\u00e9bergement \u00e0 l'h\u00f4tel si n\u00e9cessaire. Un s\u00e9jour sans faille<\/p>\n

"Nous conseillons aux clients de consulter ba.com pour obtenir les derni\u00e8res informations sur les vols avant de se rendre \u00e0 l'a\u00e9roport."<\/p>\n

De nombreux passagers des m\u00e9dias sociaux ont \u00e9t\u00e9 scandalis\u00e9s par le "manque de pr\u00e9paration" \u00e0 la m\u00e9t\u00e9o et ont qualifi\u00e9 leur traitement de "d\u00e9go\u00fbtants" apr\u00e8s avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 maintenus dans l'avion ou bloqu\u00e9s \u00e0 l'a\u00e9roport.<\/p>\n

Les passagers bloqu\u00e9s dans les a\u00e9roports ont \u00e9galement critiqu\u00e9 les responsables pour leur manque d'informations et pour ne pas avoir aid\u00e9 les voyageurs \u00e0 se sentir mal \u00e0 l'aise.<\/p>\n

L\u2019h\u00f4tel Sofitel \u00e0 Heathrow a m\u00eame distribu\u00e9 des sacs de couchage avec une zone du sol de l\u2019a\u00e9roport rendue \u00abdisponible\u00bb pour les passagers laiss\u00e9s dans l\u2019incertitude afin de les faire camper pour la nuit. <\/p>\n

Simon Dix, professeur de sciences politiques, a \u00e9crit sur Twitter: \u00abNous sommes bloqu\u00e9s \u00e0 Heathrow depuis 16 heures! British Airways a \u00e9t\u00e9 absolument \u00e9pouvantable. Aucune aide que ce soit. Nous nous sommes assis dans l'avion pendant 5 heures avec tr\u00e8s peu d'informations.<\/p>\n

"Ils nous ont ensuite fait descendre de l'avion et ne nous ont donn\u00e9 aucune information sur les r\u00e9servations, les bagages ou quoi que ce soit."<\/p>\n

Il a ajout\u00e9: "Je ne ferai plus jamais cette compagnie a\u00e9rienne de mauvaise qualit\u00e9, et j'annule mon abonnement BA (Silver)". <\/p>\n

Une m\u00e8re, qui a demand\u00e9 \u00e0 ne pas \u00eatre nomm\u00e9e, a racont\u00e9 que ses quatre enfants avaient \u00e9t\u00e9 enlev\u00e9s d\u2019un vol Tui annul\u00e9 et qu\u2019il leur restait \u00e0 essayer de dormir sur un sol "poussi\u00e9reux" \u00e0 Gatwick. Les blanchisseurs n\u2019avaient offert que des couvertures \u00e0 3 heures du matin. personnel de l'a\u00e9roport. <\/p>\n

Pendant ce temps, les passagers ont \u00e9galement parl\u00e9 de leurs \u00e9preuves sur les m\u00e9dias sociaux. Un utilisateur de Twitter a \u00e9crit: \u00abDeux heures et deux heures pass\u00e9es dans l'avion en raison du manque de personnel au sol au T5 Heathrow. Disgr\u00e2ce absolue.<\/p>\n

Un autre a d\u00e9clar\u00e9: \u00abDerni\u00e8re exp\u00e9rience incroyable avec @HeathrowAirport: atterri il y a une heure et demie mais aucune porte n'est disponible. <\/p>\n

\u00abNous sommes coinc\u00e9s dans l'avion et notre capitaine vient de nous dire qu'il ne sait ni o\u00f9 et quand nous pourrons nous garer. vol de correspondance perdu. L\u2019a\u00e9roport est en plein chaos. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Sur<\/div>\n

Sur la photo, les services Eurostar \u00e0 Saint-Pancras ont \u00e9galement \u00e9t\u00e9 affect\u00e9s car les vendredis sont le jour le plus achaland\u00e9 de la semaine pour le service, ce qui signifie qu'il y a moins de places gratuites dans les trains \u00e0 offrir aux passagers dont les trajets sont r\u00e9arrang\u00e9s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Le<\/div>\n

Le chaos li\u00e9 aux voyages s'\u00e9tend \u00e9galement aux routes, avec un trafic bloqu\u00e9 dans le tunnel de Dartford sur la M25, sur la photo, o\u00f9 les vacanciers tentent de s'\u00e9loigner pour une pause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Les<\/div>\n

Les vacanciers \u00e0 St Pancras, sur la photo, grouillent de jour en jour autour des officiels alors qu'ils essayaient de savoir combien de temps ils resteraient dans l'attente des trains<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Pendant<\/div>\n

Les vacanciers sont toujours confront\u00e9s \u00e0 des retards \u00e0 Heathrow ce matin (photos), avec des vols retard\u00e9s et annul\u00e9s jusque dans l'apr\u00e8s-midi, y compris des voyages \u00e0 Edimbourg, Rome, Berlin, Gen\u00e8ve et aussi loin que Boston.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Les<\/div>\n

Les retards et les annulations de vols se sont encore aggrav\u00e9s aujourd'hui, apr\u00e8s que NATS eut r\u00e9v\u00e9l\u00e9 des probl\u00e8mes techniques au centre de contr\u00f4le de la circulation a\u00e9rienne de Swanwick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Des<\/div>\n

Des enfants dormaient \u00e9galement sur le sol \u00e0 l'a\u00e9roport de Luton, ce matin, alors que les familles attendaient pour partir en vacances d'\u00e9t\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Les<\/div>\n

Les files d'attente aux guichets d'enregistrement de British Airway \u00e9taient encore nombreuses ce matin, comme l'illustre la photo, alors que la compagnie a\u00e9rienne s'effor\u00e7ait de r\u00e9sorber un arri\u00e9r\u00e9 de vols accumul\u00e9s la nuit apr\u00e8s les annulations li\u00e9es aux conditions m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Les<\/div>\n

Les touristes se rendant \u00e0 l'\u00e9tranger \u00e0 bord de l'Eurostar grouillent autour de St Pancras aujourd'hui, photographi\u00e9s alors qu'ils se battaient pour prendre leurs trains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Un utilisateur de Twitter indign\u00e9 a ajout\u00e9: Lorsqu'il pleut, les trains s'arr\u00eatent. Quand il neige, m\u00eame un flocon, les trains s'arr\u00eatent. Lorsque le vent souffle une feuille sur la voie, les trains s'arr\u00eatent. <\/p>\n

\u00abEt maintenant, il semble que, dans une vague de chaleur, les trains s'arr\u00eatent. London Transport, supposons qu'il se produira des conditions m\u00e9t\u00e9orologiques favorables. Prepare for SOMETHING please!'<\/p>\n

Another said: 'Hot weather in England: there are no rules. There are no laws. There are no other topics of conversation. <\/p>\n

'Boats explode, people walk the streets entirely nude, there is a national shortage of icecream, public transport ceases to run.' <\/p>\n

Passenger Craig Beale also blasted Heathrow after sharing a video of a crowd of around 1,000 people waiting for taxis at the airport to take them home or to hotels to wait for more information. <\/p>\n

He wrote on Twitter: '@HeathrowAirport, you are a joke! No staff on hand to help thousands of stranded customers. <\/p>\n

'All bags not returned to customers. A queue of over 1,000 people for taxi's. How can you leave people like this?!' <\/p>\n

Geraldine Tosin was on a British Airways flight to Brussels which had been diverted to Heathrow after departure due to the extreme heat yesterday and was forced to sleep on Heathrow's floor with her colleagues last night. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Some<\/div>\n

Some groups even managed to build themselves small camps by stacking up their luggage around them at Heathrow today, pictured<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

More passengers faced delays at Euston, pictured, this morning with rail services severely reduced around London due to damage caused by the heat to overhanging power cables <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Eurostar<\/div>\n

Eurostar passengers were queuing up and down the concourses at St Pancras station today, pictured, as they tried to board trains despite widespread issues with power cables and rails<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n

Meanwhile train services are still badly affected by damage caused to overhanging power lines by the heat yesterday, with services out of St Pancras cancelled this morning (pictured)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

A pair of passengers at Heathrow were pictured having a nap on yoga mats today while one of them used a luggage trolley as a makeshift foot rest<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Those<\/div>\n

Those who had given up standing in queues at St Pancras today decided to take a break and check their phones, pictured<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Rare lightning strike on a lunar rainbow<\/h3>\n
\n

The rare but stunning stunning moment a bolt of lightning struck across a lunar rainbow has been caught on camera.<\/p>\n

The photo was taken on Mersea Island, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, as a dramatic electrical storm erupted over the sandy beach early on Friday morning.<\/p>\n

It was snapped by amateur photographer Shaun Mills, 49, who was so pleased with the shot that he did a 'little jig' on the beach afterwards.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Stunning<\/div>\n

Stunning moment a bolt of lightning shot down over a lunar rainbow on a picturesque Mersea Island beach in Essex <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Lunar rainbows, more commonly known as 'moonbows', are produced by light that is reflected from the moon rather than directly from the sun.<\/p>\n

They are much fainter than solar rainbows, due to the smaller amount of light reflected from the surface of the moon.<\/p>\n

As such the human eye often struggles to discern the colours.<\/p>\n

The weather phenomenon occurred at around 8pm last night (Thurs).<\/p>\n

Mr Mills, a banker by profession, said: 'I could see the clouds building up and heard some really nice elongated rumbles of thunder.<\/p>\n

'I only live a few minutes from the beach so I just headed over there to see what I could get.<\/p>\n

'When I saw the photo of the lightning with the rainbow in it too I must be honest I did a little jig on the beach.<\/p>\n

'I'm really pleased with the picture and it was a real spectacle.'<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"It<\/div>\n

It was snapped by amateur photographer Shaun Mills, 49, who was so happy with the shot that he 'did a little jig on the beach'<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

She said there are no further flights or trains available to Brussels today and faces another night of waiting following her business trip, adding she has not heard from the airline regarding compensation.<\/p>\n

A Heathrow spokesperson said: 'We apologise for the disruption caused by extreme weather conditions across Europe last night and are working alongside our airline partners to keep passengers travelling. <\/p>\n

'We advise those due to travel to contact their airline for up to date flight information.<\/p>\n

A spokesman for Gatwick said last night: 'A number of flights have been impacted this evening due to weather conditions across UK and Europe with subsequent airspace restrictions, and we apologise to anyone affected by this disruption. <\/p>\n

'Passengers should contact their airline for the latest information about their flight.'<\/p>\n

A spokesman for Luton Airport said said: 'Thunderstorms across Europe, tracking towards South East of England have resulted in air traffic control restrictions this evening, causing a number of delays and cancellations at all London airports.' <\/p>\n

It follows a day of travel chaos for commuters up and down the country with hundreds stranded on sweltering services while they struggled to get home from work yesterday. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"People<\/div>\n

People sleeping on the floor at Heathrow was a common sight today, pictured, as weary travellers tried to get rest, lying down on yoga mats and travel pillows<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Queues<\/div>\n

Queues are building up on the M25 today, pictured, towards Stansted Airport and the M1 with families keen to make the most of the school holidays<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Passengers<\/div>\n

A huge queue formed of more than 1,000 passengers at Heathrow this morning waiting for taxis (pictured left and right) to get them home or hotels while they wait for information on their rescheduled flights<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Meanwhile<\/div>\n

Meanwhile the stormy weather is continuing to batter Britain today, leading to flood warnings. Pictured are pedestrians trying to stay dry in Wanstead, London this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"The<\/div>\n

The rains have brought an end to the extreme heat but are only causing more problems. Pictured are people ducking for cover under a bus shelter in Wanstead this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

Fed-up Brits have vented their fury on social media today about the 'lack of preparation' for extreme weather and the travel chaos that has followed. Some passengers revealed they were stuck on planes with no connecting flights and no idea when they would be able to get to a gate<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

Others said there are 'no rules' in Britain when hot weather strikes while some labelled UK transport services an 'embarrassment' <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sparks from overheated cables caused a trackside fire last night while police hauled trapped passengers off a sweltering train in two separate incidents. <\/p>\n

Overhead lines can also expand and sag in extreme heat, bringing a risk of passing trains pulling them down. <\/p>\n

Rail companies are working to repair damage caused by the extreme heat but say the disruption is due to continue today.<\/p>\n

Many train lines suffered structural damage in the heat with overhead lines damaged.<\/p>\n

A speed limit was in place across the network yesterday to stop tracks buckling – leading to further delays.<\/p>\n

Network Rail have advised passengers to check with their train operator before travelling.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Even<\/div>\n

Even the queues for the self check-in machines at Heathrow were packed out today, pictured, as holidaymakers desperately tried to keep their trips away going ahead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Flights<\/div>\n

Flights have been delayed across the country due to thunderstorms across Europe leaving passengers furious. Pictured is the scene at Heathrow yesterday with passengers queuing around the terminal to find out if they can still travel <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

One mother, who asked not to be named, said her children, pictured last night, were left trying to sleep on the floor at Gatwick and were only offered blankets by cleaning staff at 3am, rather than by officials <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"One<\/div>\n

One social media user stuck at Heathrow uploaded a picture of a brass band keeping travellers entertained last night, and tweeted: 'Flight stranded, 3,5h (sic) and still no update on departure. We do have a whole Balkan band onboard tho :)'<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Lengthy<\/div>\n

Lengthy queues in sweltering conditions at Stansted Airport yesterday were caused when thunderstorms delayed or grounded flights<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Cancelled:<\/div>\n

Cancelled: Late yesterday evening flights inbound to Stansted from Central and Eastern Europe were cancelled in the heat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Many<\/div>\n

Many passengers took to social media to complain that little or no information was being imparted over tannoy systems. Pictured are crowds at Stansted Airport yesterday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Some operators have offered passengers tickets for Saturday and Sunday if they are unable to travel today. <\/p>\n

Engineers worked overnight to repair damage at several locations after the temperature of steel tracks soared to up to 20C higher than the air temperature, while overhead power lines also suffered heat-related damage.<\/p>\n

Apologising to commuters for delays and cancellations, Phil James, from Network Rail, said: 'I want to say sorry to passengers for the disruption and discomfort they faced making their journeys yesterday.<\/p>\n

'The extreme temperatures made travelling by train very difficult at times and we thank passengers for their patience while we worked hard to get people moving again.<\/p>\n

'With the railway being made of metal and moving parts, the sustained high temperatures took their toll in places.<\/p>\n

'Everything was done to keep trains moving where possible, and last night hundreds of staff were out fixing the damage and repairing the railway ready for today.'<\/p>\n

\n

A rare sighting of a 'Supercell' stormcloud<\/h3>\n
\n

Over Slaley, Northumberland, a rare\u00a0sighting of a 'Supercell' stormcloud could be seen dominating the skyline last night.<\/p>\n

Characterised by the presence of a mesocyclone – a deep, persistently rotating updraft – supercells are often referred to as rotating thunderstorms and are more commonly seen in the Great Plains of the USA. <\/p>\n

Supercells are the least common type of thunderstorm and are often associated with severe weather, including violent tornadoes. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

A rare UK sighting of a 'Supercell' storm cloud dominates the skyline over Slaley, in Northumberland, last night<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Characterized<\/div>\n

A rare UK sighting of a 'Supercell' storm cloud dominates the skyline over Slaley, in Northumberland, last night<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Crowds<\/div>\n

Crowds packed in to the Eurotunnel terminal, pictured, were reportedly unable to buy food and water as the shelves in the shops ran empty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Crowds<\/div>\n

Crowds at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, pictured, as international rail passengers faced delays of more than three hours <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"The<\/div>\n

The inclement weather is summed up by this amazing scene in Kent this morning where a rainbow formed behind the storm clouds, pictured <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Airport<\/div>\n

Airport chaos was put down to lightning storms across Europe which caused air traffic restrictions. Pictured is lightning hitting Blackpool tower yesterday evening<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Storms<\/div>\n

Storms continued to rage throughout the night, leading to knock-on cancellations this morning. Pictured is a storm in\u00a0Aylesford, Kent, overnight<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Network Rail said in a statement: 'Yesterday saw significant disruption on the rail route which links Sheffield to London St Pancras International via the East Midlands and Bedfordshire.<\/p>\n

'Trains had to run at reduced speeds, which also meant a reduced service ran and those which did run were extremely busy.'<\/p>\n

Train speeds are being reduced to cut the likelihood of steel tracks buckling after multiple incidents on the network, including problems with overhead equipment on the line between Kentish Town and West Hampstead and a fire near the railway in West Hampstead.<\/p>\n

Network Rail added: 'Passengers are strongly advised to consider alternative travel arrangements and only travel if their journey is absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n

'If passengers must travel, they are urged to check before travelling with their train operator or with National Rail Enquiries. Passengers should allow additional time for their journey and take plenty of water with them.'<\/p>\n

West Midlands Railway said overnight work to repair damage was still ongoing and many trains were starting the day out of place, resulting in some cancellations and shorter trains.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Social<\/div>\n

Social media users said the storms around the UK were among the strongest they had ever seen. Pictured is lightning striking the ground in Norwich<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Forked<\/div>\n

Forked lightning made for an impressive sight in Norwich last night but the storms caused fury among passengers who saw their travel arrangements cancelled<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Commuters<\/div>\n

Commuters stuck at Kings Cross St Pancras railway station after overhead cables were damaged, severely disrupting East Midlands and Thameslink services<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Euston<\/div>\n

Euston station was packed with people as trains struggled in the heat with some tracks buckling and speed limits down<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Floods expected to hit UK as storms and rain follow hot weather<\/h3>\n
\n

Meanwhile a deluge of rain is expected to follow the hot weather this weekend with six inches expected to fall in the north east.<\/p>\n

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'A decaying cold front coming in at the end of the week will bring fresher conditions behind, although it will be warmer ahead of this, across eastern parts of the country.<\/p>\n

'On Saturday there will be some heavy and potentially thundery showers in the northeast, the heaviest rain will be over the hills.<\/p>\n

'It is likely to be warmer, sunnier and drier in the far north-east of Scotland, elsewhere it will be cooler under the rain although we could see temperatures in the mid-20Cs.<\/p>\n

'There will be further heavy rain on Sunday with perhaps the odd thunderstorm in the afternoon and while temperatures will be suppressed where it rains it will be quite warm in places.<\/p>\n

'It will remain unsettled next week with more usual weather conditions for the time of year, there will be rain and brisk winds from Monday to Tuesday.<\/p>\n

'Beyond the start of the week it should be mostly fine with some scattered showers.'<\/p>\n

The Met Office has issued a warning for up to six inches of rain across north-eastern England tomorrow and Sunday.<\/p>\n

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington warned to prepare for travel mayhem and the risk of flooding to homes and businesses.<\/p>\n

He said: 'There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings and a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater.<\/p>\n

'Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services while spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.'<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

But Govia Thameslink caused more outrage after refusing to pay compensation to season ticket holders who followed its prior advice not to travel because of the scorching temperatures.<\/p>\n

The firm,\u00a0which operates trains in south-east England, said passengers with an annual pass are only entitled to a payout if they attempted a journey on Thursday and were delayed.<\/p>\n

This is despite its four train brands – Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express – all urging passengers to 'avoid travelling wherever possible'.<\/p>\n

Anthony Smith, chief executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: 'All passengers told not to travel due to extreme weather should be entitled to claim compensation.<\/p>\n

'Train operators should take the heat out of the situation and do the right thing by reimbursing passengers who have acted on their advice and made alternative plans.<\/p>\n

'When things go wrong train operators must ensure every eligible passenger knows about compensation and how to claim.<\/p>\n

'To make their voice heard passengers must claim every time and make delay pay.' <\/p>\n

A spokesman for GTR, which has repeatedly faced calls to be stripped of its franchise over a series of failures in recent years, told PA: 'A season ticket holder who decided not to travel would not be entitled to any refund or compensation.<\/p>\n

'They would have had to make a journey and been delayed.'<\/p>\n

Southeastern and GTR have the same parent company, Govia, but the former was one of several operators offering compensation to season ticket holders who did not travel on Thursday. <\/p>\n

Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road said it is examining the National Rail Conditions of Travel to consider whether firms such as GTR should offer compensation to season ticket holders when they advise passengers not to travel. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile a deluge of rain is expected to follow the hot weather this weekend. <\/p>\n

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'A decaying cold front coming in at the end of the week will bring fresher conditions behind, although it will be warmer ahead of this, across eastern parts of the country.<\/p>\n

'On Saturday there will be some heavy and potentially thundery showers in the northeast, the heaviest rain will be over the hills.<\/p>\n

'It is likely to be warmer, sunnier and drier in the far north-east of Scotland, elsewhere it will be cooler under the rain although we could see temperatures in the mid-20Cs.<\/p>\n

'There will be further heavy rain on Sunday with perhaps the odd thunderstorm in the afternoon and while temperatures will be suppressed where it rains it will be quite warm in places.<\/p>\n

'It will remain unsettled next week with more usual weather conditions for the time of year, there will be rain and brisk winds from Monday to Tuesday.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"An<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Fire<\/div>\n

Lightning struck\u00a0a Grade-II listed bell tower in Wimbledon last night, causing the 19th Century structure to go up in flame. Pictured right are fire service workers inspecting the damage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Pictured:<\/div>\n

Pictured: Passengers were evacuated near Peterborough yesterday after they were trapped without air conditioning for two hours<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Police<\/div>\n

Police are pictured at Hampstead this evening after fire broke out trackside on the UK's second-hottest day in history <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

'Beyond the start of the week it should be mostly fine with some scattered showers.'<\/p>\n

The Met Office has issued a warning for up to six inches of rain across north-eastern England tomorrow and Sunday.<\/p>\n

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington warned to prepare for travel mayhem and the risk of flooding to homes and businesses.<\/p>\n

He said: 'There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings and a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater.<\/p>\n

'Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services while spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.'<\/p>\n

\n

WHY DO STORMS AND HOT WEATHER CAUSE CANCELLATIONS TO FLIGHTS AND TRAIN DISRUPTION? <\/h3>\n
\n

Soaring temperatures in the UK\u00a0 has led to\u00a0dozens of flight cancellations <\/p>\n

FLIGHTS – HOW HOT WEATHER AFFECTS THEM<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot air is less dense than cold air, meaning aircraft require more engine power to generate the same thrust and lift as they would in cooler climes.<\/p>\n

Aircraft components might begin to overheat and become damaged in extreme temperatures, with seals softening or melting. <\/p>\n

If temperatures exceed 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit), planes can be grounded as some aircraft manufacturers can't guarantee the necessary engine propulsion. <\/p>\n

The warmer it gets, the less density there is in the air, which in turn results in less upwind for the wings. <\/p>\n

HOW STORMS AFFECT FLYING<\/span> <\/p>\n

Cumulonimus clouds, which occur during thunderstorms, can be problematic as they are associated with heavy and sudden down pours of rain. <\/p>\n

These clouds are often caused by periods of very hot weather. <\/p>\n

Thunderstorms are a challenge for a pilot because there are several dangers like wind shear, turbulence, rain, icing and lightning.<\/p>\n

Airplanes fly because the speed of the aircraft causes ambient air to travel over the wings creating lift <\/p>\n

When the flow of air is disrupted, the wing loses, or gains, lift.<\/p>\n

HOW HEAT CAUSES TRAIN DISRUPTION<\/span><\/p>\n

Heatwaves can cause points failures and signal disturbances, while in some places the tracks have buckled under the heat. <\/p>\n

Thousands of miles of steel track criss-crosses the country, much of which is exposed to sunlight.<\/p>\n

According to Network Rail, which manages Britain's railway infrastructure, tracks in direct sunshine can be as much as 20C hotter than the air temperature.<\/p>\n

As temperature rises, the steel rail absorbs heat and expands, causing it to curve, or buckle.<\/p>\n

The forces the temperature change provokes pushes and pulls the track out of shape, Network Rail said. <\/p>\n

Network Rail said buckled tracks need to be repaired before trains can run again, leading to disruption.<\/p>\n

Overhead lines can also expand and sag in extreme heat, bringing a risk of passing trains pulling them down.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Meanwhile a Grade-II listed bell tower at an old fire station in Wimbledon went up in flames after being struck by lightning during the heatwave yesterday.<\/p>\n

Twenty firefighters were called to the former fire station in Wimbledon and photos show flames rising and smoke billowing from the landmark, before cherry pickers were used to survey the damage.<\/p>\n

The strike happened at around 6pm.<\/p>\n

Barry Daly, 32, witnessed the aftermath of the lightning strike while walking his dog at 8.30pm.<\/p>\n

The property manager, who lives a short walk away, said: 'I was surprised to see the fire brigade and the blue flashing lights as I approached. The fire was out at that stage but people were saying it had been struck by lightning.<\/p>\n

'Firefighters were checking things over with cherry pickers. It's a five minute walk from where I live so I pass by the clock often. It's not something you see every day.'<\/p>\n

Video from the scene showed around a dozen firefighters with four fire engines assessing the Grade-II listed clock. <\/p>\n

Hundreds of commuters were stuck on two trains yesterday after damaged overhead electrical cables caused a grass fire on a railway embankment at Finchley Road station in Hampstead, North London. <\/p>\n

Up to 600 passengers were trapped as the blaze took hold, buckling rails and causing chaos for commuters struggling to get home. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, near Peterborough, rescue teams were pictured freeing trapped passengers – including a pregnant woman – who were stranded for two hours without air conditioning. London North Eastern Rail cancelled all services in and out of Kings Cross following the incident. <\/p>\n

It follows last night's disruption of Britain's busiest station after man was seen chasing a dog along electrified tracks. <\/p>\n

All lines in and out of London Waterloo were blocked at about 7pm due to trespass, South Western Railway said. <\/p>\n

Vid\u00e9o <\/a>shared on social media showed a man running along the tracks at the approach to the station. <\/p>\n

'We saw a dog running down the track and then, 20 seconds later, a man running after it,' said passenger Adam Willmott, 23. 'The dog was much faster and the man was looking rather tired.'<\/p>\n

He said his London-bound train had been stationary for more than 20 minutes with no power. 'We have no air conditioning and it is just getting hotter and hotter,' he said. 'The train manager said he doesn't know when we will move.'<\/p>\n

A spokesman for South Western Railway said: 'I can confirm that the trespass incident involves an individual chasing a dog down the rail lines and that services have been held between Waterloo and Vauxhall stations. The British Transport Police have been called to handle the incident.'<\/p>\n

It follows earlier disruption at London Euston and London St Pancras because of heat-related problems on tracks. Commuters are stripping to the waist on the London Underground and other services as they face arduous journeys home in baking heat. <\/p>\n

Commuters were stuck at St Pancras railway station after overhead cables were damaged, severely disrupting East Midlands and Thameslink services.<\/p>\n

Boards displayed at the station announced most trains had been cancelled with others delayed. Two rail workers said the wires had been damaged by fire.<\/p>\n

Gary Freeman, 56, a senior worker in the construction industry, faced an unknown delay for his train back to St Neots, Cambridgeshire.<\/p>\n

Wiping his forehead repeatedly with a handkerchief, he said: 'This week it's been crazy, last Friday this happened as well. On the hottest day of the year it adds insult to injury.<\/p>\n

'I'm debating whether to keep standing here sweating or to go and get a nice cold beer. There are people sitting in trains not moving on the tracks apparently.'<\/p>\n

Network Rail's network services director Nick King said: 'We have a number of heat-related incidents across the rail network this evening that are causing disruption to services. We are sorry that some passengers are experiencing uncomfortable conditions and inconvenience.<\/p>\n

'Our teams are working flat-out to fix the issues as quickly as possible and get people on the move. We're asking anyone travelling this evening to check with their train operators or visit the National Rail Enquiries website to see how their journey is affected.'<\/p>\n

Further travel disruption could be caused by thundery downpours prompted by the sweltering temperatures, with flash flooding and even power cuts possible.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Pictured:<\/div>\n

Pictured: A man runs along the track near Waterloo last night as he frantically chased after his dog, bringing disruption alongside the heatwave <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Fears were also raised that patients and staff will face 'totally unbearable' conditions in hospitals as Britain swelters in record-breaking temperatures.<\/p>\n

Public health expert Dr Nick Scriven warned of struggles to keep patients and those working hydrated during the summer, with staff being 'so busy they cannot leave wards to find cold drinks'.<\/p>\n

Writing for the BMJ, the president of the Society for Acute Medicine said that tired and overheated staff will be prevented from 'giving their best'.<\/p>\n

He wrote: 'We are now seeing temperatures even higher than in 2018, but hopefully lasting for a shorter period of time.<\/p>\n

'However, the abilities of the NHS to protect both vulnerable patients and its own staff has remained unchanged.<\/p>\n

'It is fair to say that the ward environments in many places will be totally unbearable this week, causing distress and concern for all those in them whether working, visiting or as patients.<\/p>\n

'This follows reports which suggest that activity has peaked at levels previously not seen in summer.'<\/p>\n

\n

Have you been affected by the travel chaos? <\/h3>\n
\n

Email joseph.curtis@mailonline.co.uk or call 0203 615 1697. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

During the four heatwaves last summer Public Health England estimated there were up to 863 extra deaths.<\/p>\n

A Commons select committee report last year found that NHS England's emergency preparedness, resilience and response assurance 'does not account for the risk of overheating hospitals'.<\/p>\n

The report said the impact of heatwaves on nursing homes is also not assessed.<\/p>\n

It recommended that NHS bodies submit annual heatwave plans to ensure they are prepared for sudden spells of hot weather.<\/p>\n

Dr Scriven added: 'Tired and overheated staff are not capable of giving the best that their patients deserve and it is really time that hospitals and those running them took notice of environmental factors on top of all the existing stresses and strains.<\/p>\n

'The NHS needs to take up the challenges posed by the select committee last year as the predictions are that this is only going to become more extreme every year.'<\/p>\n

Last night a fire broke out near the tracks of the London to Luton main line after the soaring temperatures reportedly caused cables to overheat. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

A shirtless passenger on a rush-hour Victoria line train on the sweltering London Underground this morning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"A<\/div>\n

A man rides shirtless on an air-conditioned Great Northern train from London King's Cross to Ely in Cambridgeshire <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Pictured:<\/div>\n

Pictured: A fire breaks out on the line between London and Luton, cancelling trains as the wires above the track overheated <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A rambler collapsed in the heat in Dorset, surfaces melted in Grimsby and Londoners faced searing heat on the Tube with the high humidity expected to make temperatures feel like 109F (43C) in the South East this afternoon. <\/p>\n

Temperatures hit 100.6F (38.1C) in Cambridge at 3.30pm – making it the warmest July day on record and the second hottest day in UK history behind the\u00a0101.3F (38.5C) in August 2003.<\/p>\n

\n

Previous top ten hottest days recorded in Britain<\/h3>\n
\n
    \n
  1. 101.3F (38.5C) – August 10, 2003<\/li>\n
  2. 98.8F (37.1C) – August 3, 1990<\/li>\n
  3. 98.1F (36.7C) – July 1, 2015<\/li>\n
  4. 98.1F (36.7C) – August 9, 1911<\/li>\n
  5. 97.9F (36.6C) – August 2, 1990<\/li>\n
  6. 97.7F (36.5C) – July 19, 2006<\/li>\n
  7. 97.5F (36.4C) – August 6, 2003<\/li>\n
  8. 97F (36.1C) – August 4, 1990<\/li>\n
  9. 96.8F (36C) – August 9, 2003<\/li>\n
  10. 96.6F (35.9C) – July 3, 1976<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

    East Midlands Trains urged passengers 'do not travel', while Thameslink said 'you are strongly advised not to travel', after the heat caused damage to overhead electric wires between London St Pancras and Luton. In Greater Manchester, firefighters hosed down Barton swing bridge in Salford to avoid it buckling in the heat.<\/p>\n

    Hundreds of thousands of commuters who use Southeastern, Greater Anglia, Southern, Gatwick Express, London North Eastern, West Midlands and Great Northern trains also faced delays, cancellations and overcrowding.<\/p>\n

    Police were called after scuffles broke out at the Brockwell and Parliament Hill lidos in London as hundreds of people tried to get in, while food was removed from the shelves of a Sainsbury's in Bolton after its fridges broke. <\/p>\n

    As hundreds of thousands of people sunbathed in beaches and parks, fan sales rose 200 per cent at some stores and bosses at Madame Tussauds Blackpool had to move waxworks out of direct sunlight to avoid them melting. <\/p>\n

    Police warned people over swimming in the heatwave after three men drowned and another was reported missing, while racing at Southwell was abandoned with two races remaining due to the 'extreme temperatures'. <\/p>\n

    The heat was all too much for some men, who took off their shirts as they rode public transport. One shirtless man was seen working on his laptop on an\u00a0air-conditioned train from London King's Cross to Ely in Cambridgeshire. <\/p>\n

    The heat also affected mainland Europe, with Paris recording its hottest day ever as temperatures topped 109F (42.6C) – smashing a 70-year-old record – while Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands also set all-time records.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Steps<\/div>\n

    Steps appear to have melted in the heat outside a house in Ladbroke Grove, West London, pictured at 8.30am. The photo was taken by Mouki Koutouki, of Hammersmith, who said on Facebook: 'Tales of heatwave madness – the floor is lava'<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Forecasters warned that flooding and lightning strikes could affect driving conditions, disrupt train services and lead to power cuts, although temperatures are expected to become much cooler from tomorrow onwards. <\/p>\n

    There is then a further warning for heavy rain in northern England and southern Scotland from 12pm Saturday until 3pm Sunday, with up to\u00a04.7in (120mm) expected over the Pennines and North York Moors plus a flooding risk. <\/p>\n

    Police had to be called to an outdoor swimming pool after hordes of overheating Londoners tried to force their way in. Around 500 people tried to storm Brockwell Lido in South East London during the heat.<\/p>\n

    Tempers flared around midday when waiting times topped three hours. The Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called to Brockwell Lido to reports of overcrowding.<\/p>\n

    'Officers attended. Security staff at the lido have closed the doors as a group of 500 people are trying to get in. The owners of the venue are advising people not to come as there is a three-hour waiting time.'<\/p>\n

    Gauri Kangai posted a picture of the fracas on Twitter with the words 'No City for Keeping Cool'. She added: 'Raises (questions) about design in cities for extreme climate instances like today.'<\/p>\n

    There were similar scenes elsewhere in the capital – with Parliament Hill Lido forced to refuse further entry just before noon due to overcrowding.<\/p>\n

    Police were repeatedly forced to attend the pool after fights broke out in the queue, and eventually the Met decided to leave an officer effectively on guard to prevent any more disruption.<\/p>\n

    The force said: 'Officers were first called to the venue at 9.49am when a number of minor scuffles broke out as swimmers queued to enter the lido.\u00a0Further incidents of disorder broke out throughout the day.' <\/p>\n

    A spokesman said there had been no arrests or any reported injuries, but added: 'Police remain in attendance to prevent a breach of the peace.'<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"People<\/div>\n

    People enjoy the sunshine on Bournemouth beach as the UK surpasses the hottest July day on record <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    In Bristol, Portishead Lido warned those hoping to cool off of long queues. Staff tweeted: 'Be prepared for a long wait, and there's no shade. Bring water, snacks, folding chairs, sunscreen, a hat and some patience and humour.' <\/p>\n

    Lidos in Peterborough, London's Tooting Bec and at Hemsley in York were also forced to turn away disappointed swimmers after reaching capacity. <\/p>\n

    In Bristol, a burst water main left hundreds of homes in the Speedwell, Eastville, Fishponds and Horfield areas without water, with engineers saying they are working 'as quickly as possible' to restore the supply.<\/p>\n

    A Bristol Water spokesman said: 'With the weather being as hot as it has been we get ground movements.\u00a0It's very likely ground movements has caused friction to increase and decrease the pipe size and unfortunately it's burst.'<\/p>\n

    It comes as the Environment Agency said spy drones will be used for the first time this summer to catch cheating farmers who are taking out too much water from rivers to pit on their parched crops. <\/p>\n

    Some people used electric fans to cope with the heat, with sales at Currys PC World up 200 per cent and John Lewis reporting selling six every minute. <\/p>\n

    And Aldi sold out of its 12ft garden swimming pool just 10 days after it went on sale for \u00a389.99. The circular 'Intex Metal Frame Pool' can hold 7,199 litres of water but it was no longer available to buy on its website. <\/p>\n

    The budget store is also selling giant inflatable flamingo pool floats for \u00a319.99 and a water slide for \u00a312.99. <\/p>\n

    Bosses at Madame Tussauds Blackpool said they had moved waxwork figures of Ariana Grande and Freddie Mercury out of direct sunlight and away from windows to keep them cool in the intense heat. <\/p>\n

    \n

    Aldi's new swimming pool sells out in 10 days as consumers turn to fans and wine to beat the heat <\/h3>\n
    \n

    Aldi has sold out of its enormous garden swimming pool just ten days after it went on sale.<\/p>\n

    The huge, circular pool is 12ft wide and can hold 7,199 litres of water. But due to the huge demand during this week's heatwave, there are no longer any left.<\/p>\n

    The \u00a389.99 pool is held up by a steel frame and comes with a pool skimmer, cover, floating chemical dispenser and four repair patches.\u00a0But Aldi's website states the 'Intex Metal Frame Pool' is now sold out.<\/p>\n

    One vexed customer – called Xander the Mander – tweeted: 'Wishing I'd bought the inflatable pool I saw in Aldi so I could pop it on the roof n chill'. <\/p>\n

    Sweltering consumers are also turning to fans and rose wine in their droves to cope with the heatwave.<\/p>\n

    Currys PC World said fan sales were up 200 per cent while John Lewis reported selling six fans a minute.<\/p>\n

    The department store has also seen sales of temperature balancing bedding soar by 76 per cent while linen sheet sales are up 82 per cent. <\/p>\n

    Currys said Dyson and Logik Pedestal models were clocking up a lot of interest online.<\/p>\n

    Waitrose shoppers have provided the supermarket with two of its biggest weeks ever for sales of rose wine while also sending sales of English sparkling wine up 71 per cent and Champagne up 27 per cent. <\/p>\n

    Superdrug reported sales of cooling sprays rising by 116 per cent on Monday compared to Sunday in preparation for the heatwave, while sales of deodorants and body sprays were up 26 per cent week on week following the temperature increase.<\/p>\n

    Meanwhile, Halfords warned drivers to get their car's air conditioning checked. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    A swimmer drowned yesterday while taking a cooling dip in the sea.<\/p>\n

    Paramedics and police were called to Norman's Bay in Pevensey, East Sussex, shortly before lunchtrime after a body was spotted floating in the water just off the beach.<\/p>\n

    Rescuers who rushed to the scene managed to pull the victim onto the beach and attempted heart massage but the person was certified dead at the scene. <\/p>\n

    The body was taken by ambulance to the mortuary at the Conquest Hospital in nearby Hastings where a post mortem examination will be carried out to ascertain the exact cause of death.<\/p>\n

    Parts of the London Overground were suspended due to heat-related speed restrictions, while a points failure near Potters Bar and a signalling fault near East Croydon caused further disruption for commuters this morning. <\/p>\n

    London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway advised passengers not to start new journeys as high temperatures are disrupting its services to London and across the West Midlands.<\/p>\n

    A spokesman for the operators said: 'We are sorry to have to issue this advice. We don't make these decisions very often nor do we take them lightly.<\/p>\n

    'Faced with multiple heat related incidents across our network the responsible thing is to focus on people already travelling. We will be doing all we can to get people home this evening.'<\/p>\n

    The scorching temperatures caused damage to overhead electric wires between London St Pancras and Luton, blocking all lines. This is affecting East Midlands Trains and Thameslink services. <\/p>\n

    Motoring organisations warned the scorching heat could cause roads to 'melt like chocolate', requiring gritters to be called out. <\/p>\n

    Commuters on the Central and Bakerloo lines of the London Underground sweltered in temperatures of at least 89.1F (31.7C), saying they 'are being treated like animals'. <\/p>\n

    NHS worker Jimmy Lyons, 38, of north London, was travelling into work on the Central Line this morning. <\/p>\n

    He said: 'There's still no proper air conditioning in this day and age and I want money invested. <\/p>\n

    'I've just got back from America – if there was no proper air con they would sue. <\/p>\n

    'Animals aren't even transported in this heat.' <\/p>\n

    Annie Parker, 45, a British expat data analyst in Oman who regularly works in London, said she missed the trains in the Middle Eastern country.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Pavement MELTS under pedestrian's feet <\/h3>\n
    \n

    Temperatures have been soaring so much in parts of Britain that the heat is now melting roads.<\/p>\n

    Rick Byrne filmed the pavement melting underneath his feet in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, and after just a few seconds it showed the imprint of his trainers.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Shoe<\/div>\n

    Shoe prints can be seen in the road in Grimsby yesterday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    The road surface was starting to come loose yesterday as temperatures hit 84F (29C) with ridges and lines appearing from passing cars.<\/p>\n

    And video footage showed shoe prints appearing in the road after just a few seconds of standing in one spot.<\/p>\n

    Previously in hot weather, councils have sent gritters to try to stop melting roads causing problems for drivers. <\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"A<\/div>\n

    A tyre print left in a road in the Lincolnshire town yesterday<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    Travelling on the Central line in shorts and a tank top, she said: 'Yesterday on the Jubilee line was horrendous. London is one of the biggest cities in the world and we've had the Tube here for a long, long time but there's never been any investment. <\/p>\n

    'We are just not considered high enough priority. In Oman it's worse outside but it's better inside. There's air con everywhere and the Tubes there aren't only AC but there's refreshing smells as well. <\/p>\n

    'That's how they combat body odour and it makes it more pleasant and everyone's clean – you don't appreciate until you don't have it.'<\/p>\n

    Trainee lawyer Emma Holder, 25, pays \u00a37 a day to commute from Finsbury Park in North London. <\/p>\n

    She said: 'It's the worst part of my day for sure. I think we've being treated like animals – everyday one of my friends will say on our WhatsApp chat that it's ridiculous.<\/p>\n

    'It's hot and it's not acceptable because it's really expensive to get the Tube and when you're paying a certain amount you expect it to be a decent service. I don't understand why other cities that have the Tube have a decent service.'<\/p>\n

    Business Paul Fletcher, 67, from Holland Park, said: 'I think we are being treated like animals. I use the Central line most days – that really is a properly terrible service. I think they are a nightmare. They've got to make investment and air conditioning.'<\/p>\n

    It follows dramatic thunderstorms which battered large areas of the UK on Tuesday night, with spectacular images showing lightning illuminating the night sky. There were said to have been about 48,000 lightning strikes. <\/p>\n

    Several buildings were damaged and hundreds of homes in Norfolk were left without power. <\/p>\n

    The Met Office has issued a warning for further thunderstorms tonight, covering the east of the country from 3pm lasting into tomorrow morning. <\/p>\n

    It forecast temperatures of 37C (98F) but said there is a 70 per cent chance the UK record of 38.5C (101F) will be broken. <\/p>\n

    \n

    Spy drones will catch farmers taking too much water out of rivers for crops<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Spy drones are being used this summer to catch cheating farmers who are taking out too much water from rivers to pit on their parched crops.<\/p>\n

    The Environment Agency has warned that to ensure farmers and landowners stick to their permitted limits on pumping water onto their fields, the authority will for the first time be launching drones fitted with cameras.<\/p>\n

    Last year's heat wave saw illegal abstractions by growers desperate to water their valuable crops so now the EA will use spy-in-the-sky camera drones to check on farmers in the Cambridgeshire Fens.<\/p>\n

    Andrew Chapman, of the Environment Agency, said: 'We will be prioritising our water resources compliance work over the summer in those catchments that are at risk from this prolonged dry period. It is the first time we have ever used drones for this purpose.'<\/p>\n

    The EA says if irrigators are caught abstracting water illegally, they face enforcement action ranging from written warnings to prosecution. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    That was set in Kent during the heatwave of August 2003 in which more than 2,000 people died. <\/p>\n

    Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said:'It will get into the 30s across the country and reach the mid-30s in the South East.<\/p>\n

    'If it is to get to 39C, it will happen somewhere between London and Cambridge. Temperatures locally could also break July or all-time records.' <\/p>\n

    Health professionals warned that the elderly and those with heart and respiratory problems are again at risk.\u00a0Hospitals are expected to face extra pressure as cases of dehydration soar. <\/p>\n

    Councils urged people to check on vulnerable friends and family, while parents are advised to take extra care to keep babies and young children cool.<\/p>\n

    Pets and zoo animals are also at risk. Monkeys were given ice lollies containing carrots, sweet potato and honey to keep them cool at Longleat Safari Park. <\/p>\n

    Police issued a warning about swimming during the heatwave after three men drowned and another was reported missing. The first man drowned at Cotswold Water Park in Gloucestershire on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

    Divers then recovered the body of a 23-year-old from the River Thames at Shadwell Basin and a 47-year-old further along the river at Kingston yesterday, while the search continues for a man last seen in the water at Waterloo Bridge on Tuesday. <\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Pictures<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Thermal<\/div>\n

    Pictures taken using the Cat S61 smartphone show temperatures of 92.12F (33.4C) on the Victoria Line in London (left) yesterday as temperatures rocket towards 102F.\u00a0Thermal images show temperatures of 100F (38.2C) on the 220 London bus from Willesden to Wandsworth (right)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Thermal<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Packed<\/div>\n

    Thermal images of the Piccadilly Line this morning show a man looking uncomfortable and hot (left).\u00a0Packed Tube carriages are pictured on the Victoria Line (right) where the mercury rocketed to 93.2F (34C) on the morning commute<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    The UK was hit by thunderstorms overnight on Tuesday, with a series of images showing lightning illuminating the night sky. <\/p>\n

    \n

    Labour calls for workers to be sent home in heat<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Workers should be protected from stiflingly hot temperatures, with legal safeguards to help them stay cool, Labour is urging.<\/p>\n

    Under plans revealed by the party, if the workplace temperatures goes over 86F (30C), or 81F (27C) for those doing strenuous work, employers will have to put in place effective controls.<\/p>\n

    Most workers in the UK have no legal safeguards protecting them from working during uncomfortably high temperatures or dangerous extreme heat, with current guidance only referring to a minimum working temperature but not an upper limit.<\/p>\n

    Under Labour's plan, measures would include flexible working and travel arrangements, extra breaks, access to water, cooling systems\/air conditioning, flexible dress codes or the provision of protective clothing. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    One video caught the moment a bolt of lightning struck a chimney in Bristol, creating a fireball. <\/p>\n

    Paul Krekelaar was filming out his window around 1am and saw a small explosion over a neighbour's house. <\/p>\n

    A huge bang could be heard as the lightning struck the chimney and burst into flames.<\/p>\n

    Roofs were also set alight in Cheshire and Nottingham while stunning images captured the moment lightning struck the 17th century Grade I-listed Chesterton Windmill near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. <\/p>\n

    The heatwave has been caused by what is known as an 'omega block', where high-pressure blocks and diverts the jet stream, allowing hot air to flow up from northern Africa. It follows another heatwave in June.<\/p>\n

    Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: 'There's a very large area of high pressure over eastern Europe and up into Scandinavia.<\/p>\n

    'That's combined with a jet stream that has taken a bit of a downturn to the south across the Atlantic, then shooting up north to the west of the UK.<\/p>\n

    'That combination of the jet stream and the high pressure is working to funnel up the warm air from the continent which has its source origins in North Africa.'<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Great<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Southern<\/div>\n

    Hundreds of thousands of commuters who services across the UK faced delays, cancellations and overcrowding <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    There was a similar scene across much of Europe.\u00a0The Netherlands and Belgium recorded their highest ever temperatures yesterday of 102F (39.1C) and 102F (38.9C). <\/p>\n

    \n

    How the Tube is now too hot even for CATTLE<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Temperatures on the Tube rose to more than 93F (34C), leaving commuters and tourists frantically fanning themselves.<\/p>\n

    The temperature on the Central line has been recorded as 93.6F (34.2C) this week, which is 4.2C more than the legal limit for transporting cattle.<\/p>\n

    EU law states that cattle cannot be transported in temperatures past 86F (30C), but there are currently no laws in place to prevent human beings being transported at such temperatures.<\/p>\n

    Guidance from Transport for London recommends that the maximum level for overcrowding is 'three people per square metre of standing space', but also states that this can vary. In these circumstances it would mean that cows are actually transported in better conditions, and have to be given at least 0.95m2 each, and as much as 1.60m2 for larger cows.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    Southeastern, which operates trains in Kent and parts of East Sussex, said it would be running a 'significantly reduced service' due to speed restrictions imposed by Network Rail amid fears tracks are at risk of buckling. <\/p>\n

    Extreme weather action teams (EWATs) have been 'activated' to keep passengers safe and trains running, Network Rail said.<\/p>\n

    The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the industry, advised passengers in London and the South East to consider changing their travel plans on Thursday owing to the heat.<\/p>\n

    London North Eastern Railway, which runs inter-city services on the East Coast Main Line, advised customers against travelling. <\/p>\n

    Those making long car journeys cannot rely on the radio for company – FM and AM radio signals can be disrupted in hot weather because signals from local stations can travel further and cause interference outside their usual range.<\/p>\n

    The Met Office has warned heatwaves are on the increase as a result of climate change.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Friday's<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Friday's<\/div>\n

    Conditions will be much cooler today as the very hot weather ends, with rain showers also possible for many parts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"A<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"A<\/div>\n

    A thunderstorm warning issued from 3pm yesterday until 4am today (left), and a rain warning for the weekend (right)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"This<\/div>\n

    This graphic shows the temperatures passengers will have to endure on the London Underground in the heatwave this week<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    It is even possible the mercury could climb to 104F (40C), which would be 'unprecedented' for the UK climate, weather forecasters said.<\/p>\n

    \n

    How to keep cool: Heat advice as rambler is rescued from coast path<\/h3>\n
    \n

    England's chief nurse has urged people to check on their neighbours as a heatwave hits parts of the UK for the start of the school summer holidays.<\/p>\n

    It comes as a rambler succumbed to the heat and had to be rescued from a coast path. <\/p>\n

    Graham Glynn, 73, collapsed with heatstroke while walking on the South West Coast Path near Weymouth, Dorset, in temperatures of 81F (27C).<\/p>\n

    Coastguards and ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene before he was stretchered off the path, over a stile, through a cow field and into a waiting ambulance.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Paramedics<\/div>\n

    Paramedics check Graham Glynn's blood pressure after the\u00a0 rambler succumbed to the heatwave and was rescued in Dorset<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Public Health England (PHE) is urging people to stay cool as temperatures soar and has reminded them not to leave children or animals in parked cars.<\/p>\n

    Owen Landeg, principal environmental public health scientist at PHE, said: 'Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy.<\/p>\n

    'However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \"Mr<\/div>\n

    Mr Glynn, 73, collapsed with heatstroke while walking along the South West Coast Path near Weymouth yesterday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    'If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts.<\/p>\n

    'It's also worth remembering to think about practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.' <\/p>\n

    Public Health England warns that the\u00a0main risks posed by a heatwave are:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • not having enough water (dehydration)<\/li>\n
    • overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing<\/li>\n
    • heat exhaustion and heatstroke<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
      \n
      \"Mr<\/div>\n

      Mr Glynn is carried over a stile en route to an ambulance after coastguards and ambulance paramedics treated him <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      The Met Office has raised a Level 2 heatwave alert for this week. Public Health England advises people to stay tuned to the weather forecast, check the forecast at their destination if travelling, and keep cool at home. Tips for coping include:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Shut windows and pull down the shades when it's hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it's cooler.<\/li>\n
      • Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and do not go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.<\/li>\n
      • Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this is not possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).<\/li>\n
      • Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.<\/li>\n
      • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, lower fat milks and tea and coffee are good options. You can also drink fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks, but they can be high in sugar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

        The scorching temperatures gripping the UK and much of Europe come against a backdrop of global warming of 1C since the Industrial Revolution driven by greenhouse gas emissions, forecasters added.<\/p>\n

        Professor Peter Stott, from the Met Office, said: 'There's no doubt that climate change is playing a role here because of the elevated temperatures and that's related to the fact we've got this weather pattern being drawn up from North Africa.'<\/p>\n

        That part of the world has warmed by double the global average, while continental areas are warming faster than over the sea.<\/p>\n

        So when the UK shares weather patterns with places that are warming fast, it is 'pushing us into temperatures that are unprecedented, pushing us into those ranges that we have never seen before or are very, very infrequent', he said.<\/p>\n

        He added that the existing record temperature for the UK, of 38.5C, set in August 2003 in Faversham, Kent, was set in recent times when the impact of climate change was already being felt.<\/p>\n

        And it is not just the UK, with heatwaves seen across the northern hemisphere both this summer and last.<\/p>\n

        The east coast of America has recently been in the grip of a heatwave and much of Europe is seeing records broken at the moment, while last year, Europe and Japan saw sweltering summer conditions.<\/p>\n

        'Having this frequency of heatwaves across the hemisphere would have been extraordinarily unlikely without climate change, and it's now being made a possibility, and it's what we're seeing,' Professor Stott said.<\/p>\n

        A study from the Met Office previously showed last year's summer heatwave was made around 30 times more likely than it would be under natural conditions as a result of human activity driving global warming.<\/p>\n

        Dr Michael Byrne, from Oxford University, said that if Thursday becomes the hottest day on record in the UK it would be 'hugely significant', but just the latest in a 'torrent' of temperature records being broken in the last month.<\/p>\n

        'Not only has 2019 brought the world its hottest ever June, but in recent days countries from Belgium to the Netherlands to Germany have broken their all-time heat records. It has never been hotter in northern Europe.<\/p>\n

        'Such extreme heat poses serious health risks this week as well as uncomfortable questions about how well the UK is preparing for increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves over coming decades.'<\/p>\n

        The Government's advisory Committee on Climate Change has warned the UK is not prepared for the increase in heatwaves that is expected with global warming.<\/p>\n

        The extreme temperatures are also expected to put pressure on hospitals. <\/p>\n

        Analysis of admissions due to dehydration found that when temperatures hit 87.8F (31C), admissions rose by 22.7 per cent amongst the general population, and 33.3 per cent for the elderly.<\/p>\n

        An extra two degrees hotter, and admissions rise by 127 per cent amongst the general population and 150 per cent for the elderly, research by Draper & Dash found.<\/p>\n

        The weather has led to uncomfortable, restless nights for many, while there has also been a surge in the number of people looking up symptoms of heat-related illnesses on the NHS website.<\/p>\n

        Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said NHS staff were 'struggling' as 'few lessons had been learned' from last year's heatwaves and few hospitals are prepared for the impact of intense heat.<\/p>\n

        He said 'overheated and exhausted staff' are at greater risk of making errors. <\/p>\n

        Last year, hospitals hired in large fans and coolers for a week or so but have got nothing long-term in place – they are purely reactive not proactive.<\/p>\n

        'Some better organisations bought in lots of bottled water and gave it to staff or brought round cooled drinks. To get drinks, staff would usually need to leave the ward to buy them.<\/p>\n

        'There is often nothing or very little in place for staff to get fluids on wards on an ad-hoc basis and they are expected only to drink in breaks which isn't right when temperature on wards are really high.<\/p>\n

        'Patient areas don't have coolers or ice machines due to infection concerns.'<\/p>\n

        The Lullaby Trust, which works to raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) also known as Cot Death, issued advice for parents to keep their babies safe and cool this summer.<\/p>\n

        It warned that babies who get too hot are at an increased risk of SIDS and said the ideal temperature of a baby's room should be 61F (16C) to 68F (20C).<\/p>\n

        \n

        Central line commuters face waiting until 2030 for air conditioning <\/h3>\n
        \n

        Londoners have again suffered sweltering temperatures on Tube lines without air conditioning – with those on the Central and Bakerloo lines suffering the most. <\/p>\n

        The Central line is Tube network's busiest and second hottest line, with more than 75 trains dating back to 1992, and an average July temperature of 87.1F (30.6C).<\/p>\n

        And while Transport for London plans to introduce 92 new air-conditioned trains in its Deep Tube Upgrade Programme, these are unlikely to be in place until 2030.<\/p>\n

        TfL says the new Central line trains will have more capacity, more reliability and walk-through carriages to help ease peak demand \u2013 plus improved accessibility. <\/p>\n

        Problems with the current stock include vents and windows that are too small to be effective, along with the depth of the tunnels which are carved out of clay.<\/p>\n

        This clay has been heating up since the end of the 19th century, and absorbs nearly 80 per cent of energy produced by trains, humans and infrastructure.<\/p>\n

        Another issue is the regular stopping and starting at the 49 stations over 46 miles, with 38 per cent of heat generation on the network coming from trains braking.<\/p>\n

        But a TfL has insisted it is 'doing all it can' to improve conditions on the Central line, including changing the roof and glazing of carriages to reduce temperatures.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

        As the country sizzled, Labour led calls for workers to be protected from stiflingly hot temperatures, with legal safeguards to help them stay cool.<\/p>\n

        Under plans revealed by the party, if a workplace reaches 86F (30C), or 80.6F (27C) for those doing strenuous work, employers will have to put in place effective controls.<\/p>\n

        Current guidance only referring to a minimum working temperature but not an upper limit.<\/p>\n

        The capital's first purpose-built swimming lake in Beckenham, South East London, was forced to close after just five days after council chiefs were overwhelmed by the numbers who turned up.<\/p>\n

        Coral said it was odds-on at 1-2 for the UK's hottest ever temperature to be recorded today.<\/p>\n

        Spokesman John Hill said: 'In what is certain to be sweltering conditions, the odds have been cut on 40C or higher being recorded, while we are being bombarded with bets on this being the hottest summer ever in the UK.'<\/p>\n

        Meanwhile, the owner of Magnum, Carte d'or and Ben & Jerry's has admitted ice cream sales took a hit in spring and early summer this year due to the cooler weather.<\/p>\n

        Unilever, which also owns brands including Hellmans and Dove, said the previous two summers had started positively, but this year – particularly in May – the weather had been far too cool.<\/p>\n

        Chief financial officer Graeme Pitkethly said: 'There were a number of swings and roundabouts. It seems ironic with record temperatures (today) but during the period it was quite negative with strong early summers before.' <\/p>\n

        ** Email your photographs of the hot weather to pictures@mailonline.co.uk or tell us your stories by emailing joseph.curtis@mailonline.co.uk or calling 020 3615 1697 ** <\/span><\/p>\n

        What a difference a day makes! The heavens open over Britain… 24 hours after UK roasted on hottest July day in history<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        By Milly Vincent for MailOnline <\/span><\/p>\n

        From scorching hot temperatures to heavy spells of rain, the UK packs away their bikinis and paddling pools to endure a day of downpours as the tropical humidity breaks and the heavens open.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

        The heatwave which was triggered by the build-up of high pressures over Europe over the past few days has now cleared with low pressure areas bringing bouts of heavy rain and cooler temperatures of 75 F.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"Wearing<\/div>\n

        Wearing sandals two women are caught in the rain, as puddles form along pavements – rain pours in Wanstead in north east London, after Thursday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"A<\/div>\n

        A cyclist carrying her dog in a bike basket during a rain shower in Islington, London<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"People<\/div>\n

        People play in the water at Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool in Derbyshire on an extremely hot day for Britain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"Sunseekers<\/div>\n

        Sunseekers flock to Goodrington Sands in Devon yesterday, on Britain's second hottest day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        Last night thunder storms could be heard across England as lightning illuminated skies across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Heavy rain is now predicted in much of England for tomorrow with yellow weather warnings in place for Saturday and Sunday, and temperatures expected to fall to 68 F.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The Met Office warns of the likelihood of further <\/span><\/span><\/span>delays and cancellations to train and bus services following flooding.<\/span> <\/p>\n

        Despite a drop in temperatures today, rail passengers are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel as efforts continue to repair damage to the network caused by the record-breaking temperatures yesterday.<\/span> <\/p>\n

        Photos of today's wet weather show the stark contrast to yesterday's Mediterranean climes.<\/span> <\/p>\n

        NOT a fan of the heatwave! How desperate Britons are coping with scorching tropical temperatures from taking the Tube in pants and flip-flops to alfresco ironing <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        Britons struggled to cope with record breaking temperatures as the second hottest day on record saw passengers strip off and spread out as they moaned the stifling conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

        S<\/span>cantily clad bodies lined public transport as commuters carried industrial fans with them and cooked eggs on their car dashboards as the UK sweltered in more than 100F (37.7C) heat. <\/span><\/p>\n

        One unfortunate sunbather was bitten by mosquitoes, but was unable to treat his wound when it started melting before his eyes. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"A<\/div>\n

        A man keeps cool with a full sized fan plugged into a train's plug, on a London Route<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"An<\/div>\n

        An industrial fan is used by one passenger on the London Underground, while other passengers look grateful <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \n
        \"This<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"She<\/div>\n

        This woman has chosen to forego clothes altogether as she walks through an east London estate with only flip flops<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        Passengers were seen with full size and industrial fans on public transport while another woman was spotted ironing in the street to avoid the heat of her home.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span>A hospital in Nottingham put a batch of cookies inside one employee's car – and they were ready to eat at the end of the day. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

        Meanwhile one woman was spotted strolling through an east London estate wearing nothing but flip flops.<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"This<\/div>\n

        This person put anthisan cream on their mosquito bite only for it to melt in the heat <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"This<\/div>\n

        This egg was almost fully fried after a woman in Essex put it in a frying pan on her dashboard and left it there for half an hour today<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"Staff<\/div>\n

        Staff at a hospital in Nottingham decided to make the most of the blistering conditions by putting a batch of cookies on the dashboard of a car to cook in the heat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n

        Why does the heat cause disruption to train travel?<\/h3>\n
        \n

        Soaring temperatures in the UK have led rail operators to warn of possible speed restrictions due to the risk of tracks buckling. Here, we look at how the extreme heat affects the railway system:<\/p>\n

        – How are railway tracks affected by hot weather?<\/span><\/p>\n

        Around 20,000 miles (32,187km) of steel track criss-crosses the country, much of which is exposed to sunlight. According to Network Rail, which owns and manages Britain's railway infrastructure, tracks in direct sunshine can be as much as 20C hotter than the air temperature. As the mercury rises, the steel rail absorbs heat and expands, causing it to curve, known as buckling. The forces the temperature change provokes pushes and pulls the track out of shape, Network Rail said. Sleepers and ballast are used in railway design to contain these forces and prevent buckling. Network Rail said buckled tracks need to be repaired before trains can run again, leading to disruption. Overhead lines can also expand and sag in extreme heat, bringing a risk of passing trains pulling them down.<\/p>\n

        – When do tracks buckle?<\/span><\/p>\n

        Network Rail said its track has a 'stress-free' temperature of 27C (80.6F), which the company said is the UK mean summer rail temperature. It said more than three-quarters of its track is on concrete sleepers, which, when 'fully compliant' with its standards, can withstand rail temperatures of more than 59C (138.2C). But some sections of track are not designed to cope with that level of heat and are at risk of buckling.<\/p>\n

        – How does Network Rail prevent buckling?<\/span><\/p>\n

        The company said it can roll out extreme weather action teams (EWATs) to ensure passenger safety and keep trains running during hot weather. Weather conditions are monitored through specialist forecasters and the use of 'mini weather stations' and track-side probes. As train movements also exert force on tracks, slower speed restrictions can be introduced to reduce the chances of buckling, with the side-effect of disrupting timetables. Network Rail said it paints some track white as this makes it less heat-absorbent and reduces the temperature by 5C or 10C. Where a stretch of track is composed of short rail sections bolted together, gaps are left to allow for expansion.<\/p>\n

        – Does this happen in other countries?<\/span><\/p>\n

        Network Rail said other nations choose a higher stress temperature limit for their tracks, depending on the climate. Countries with extreme weather conditions adjust their tracks between summer and winter, the company said. This can include inserting concrete slabs which can better contain track forces than sleepers and ballast. Network Rail's website said that the 'variations in short-term weather and long-term climate' in Britain mean 'it is neither practical nor cost-effective' to implement such measures permanently. It said solid concrete slab tracks costs about four times as much to install as standard ballasted track. The company also said that stress-proofing Britain's rail track to the levels of hot countries would also create 'the risk of increased tension on the rails in the winter'.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

        <\/h2>\n

        Why is the UK in the grip of a heatwave and is it related to the one roasting the US?<\/h2>\n

        WHAT IS CAUSING THE HEATWAVE?<\/h2>\n

        The heatwave has been triggered by the build-up of high pressures over Europe over the past few days, leading to\u00a0the northward movement of warm air from Europe over the UK.<\/p>\n

        'At this time of year southerly winds will always lead to above average temperatures,'\u00a0said University of Reading meteorologist Peter Inness. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        'Air from continental Europe, the Mediterranean and even North Africa is brought over the UK.'<\/p>\n

        'The eastward passage of weather fronts and low pressures from the North Atlantic are currently being blocked by the high pressure over Europe,' added University of Reading climate scientist Len Shaffrey. <\/p>\n

        IS IT RELATED TO THE US HEATWAVE?<\/h2>\n

        The US's recent warm weather has been caused by a high-pressure dome building up over much of the country, trapping the summer heat.<\/p>\n

        This has wider-reaching effects.<\/p>\n

        'Heatwave conditions in the U.S Midwest and the East coast have strengthened the jet stream,' explained environmental scientist Kate Sambrook of the University of Leeds.<\/p>\n

        'The resulting thunderstorms occurring on the continent have helped the jet stream to meander and move to the north of the U.K.'<\/p>\n

        'As a result of this shift, hot air has been drawn up from Europe causing the high temperatures we are experiencing this week.'<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \"The<\/div>\n

        The US's recent warm weather has been caused by a high-pressure dome building up over much of the country, trapping the summer heat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        HOW LONG WILL THE HEAT LAST?<\/h2>\n

        'Although there is some uncertainty in the forecast, it looks like it will become cooler on Friday as the high pressure over Europe moves slowly towards the east,' said Dr Shaffrey.<\/p>\n

        'This will allow weather fronts to move over the UK, bringing cooler air and possibly some rain,' Professor Shaffrey added,<\/p>\n

        HOW HOT WILL IT GET?<\/h2>\n

        Meteorologists are predicting high temperatures reaching up to 100\u00b0F (38\u00b0C) over central and Eastern England on Thursday.<\/p>\n

        Although different forecasts are anticipating slightly different details,\u00a0'the broad message of all the forecasts is the same,' said Dr Inness.<\/p>\n

        'It will be hot, with high temperatures persisting through the night time periods, and there is the risk of some thunderstorms over the UK.'<\/p>\n

        These will continue through Wednesday. <\/p>\n

        'If conditions continue, it is likely that we could experience the hottest July on record,' said Dr\u00a0Sambrook.<\/p>\n

        'However, the outcome is uncertain as conditions are expected to change early next week.' <\/p>\n

        University of Oxford climate scientist\u00a0Karsten Haustein added that 'there is a 40\u201350 per cent chance that this will be the warmest July on record.'<\/p>\n

        The final estimate depends on which observational dataset is used, he noted.<\/p>\n

        While agreeing that the next week's weather will determine this July's place in the record books, Dr Inness noted that 2019 did bring us the warmest June known since the year 1880.<\/p>\n

        'In fact, 9 of the 10 warmest Junes in the global record have happened since 2000', he said. <\/p>\n

        In Europe, he noted, this June was also the warmest on record, reaching almost a whole degree Celsius above the previous number one back in 2003.<\/p>\n

        'Weather records are not normally broken by such large margins \u2014 a few tenths of a degree would be more likely.'<\/p>\n

        The present conditions may turn out to be record-breaking, but they are also part of a recent trend towards warmer UK summers.<\/p>\n

        '2018 was the joint hottest (year) on record with highest temperature measured at around 35\u00b0C, similar to temperatures expected this week,' said University of Leeds climatologist Declan Finney. <\/p>\n

        The likelihood of experiencing such hot summers has risen from a less than 10 per cent chance in the 1980s to as high as a 25 per chance today, he added.<\/p>\n

        IS CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSING HEATWAVES?<\/h2>\n

        'The fact that so many recent years have had very high summer temperatures both globally and across Europe is very much in line with what we expect from man-made global warming,' said Dr Inness.<\/p>\n

        'Changes in the intensity and likelihood of extreme weather is how climate change manifests,' said environmental scientist\u00a0Friederike Otto of the University of Oxford.<\/p>\n

        'That doesn't mean every extreme event is more intense because of it, but a lot are. For example, every heatwave occurring in Europe today is made more likely and more intense by human-induced climate change.'<\/p>\n

        However, local factors also play a role, with each extreme weather event being influenced by the location, season, intensity and duration.<\/p>\n

        The present heatwave is not the only notable indicator of climate change, experts note, with ongoing droughts \u2014 such as those being experienced in many parts of Germany \u2014 also being in line with scientific predictions.<\/p>\n

        Research into the 2003 European heatwave suggested at the time that human activity had more than doubled the risk of such warm summers \u2014 and that annual heatwaves like we are experiencing now could become commonplace by around the middle of the century.<\/p>\n

        'It has been estimated that about 35,000 people died as a result of the European heatwave in 2003, so this is not a trivial issue,' said Dr Inness.<\/p>\n

        'With further climate change there could be a 50% chance of having hot summers in the future,' agreed Dr Finney.<\/p>\n

        'That's similar to saying that a normal summer in future will be as hot as our hottest summers to date,' he ad <\/p>\n<\/div>\n