Temperatures soared past the magic mark of 37.1C (98.8F) yesterday, making it the hottest day in Britain since records began, and an expensive one for the bookmakers.
As millions flocked to southern coastal resorts in search of some respite from the searing heat and northern England was blighted by torrential downpours the mercury in London moved steadily upwards to smash the previous record measured at Cheltenham in August 1990 and break through the 100F mark for the first time.
The met office confirmed that the record had been broken at around 1.30pm when a temperature of 37.4C (99.3F) was measured at Heathrow. The temperature then continued to rise, reaching a new record peak of 37.9C (100.22F) by 2.50pm at Heathrow. Later Gravesend, in Kent, reached 38.1C (100.6F).
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The temperatures, which put Barbados in the shade at 84F and made Rio de Janeiro look chilly at 64F, saw many roads in the south of England reduced to a syrupy mess as tarmac baked in the sunshine.
Beaches, parks and gardens were packed with sunbathers, while coast roads and motorways became jammed with day trippers. The RAC estimated 15{million} cars, a fifth above average, had hit the roads at the weekend.
Rebecca Allison Guardian UK August 11 2003
