Britain is baking – but was it worse 42 years ago?
With the UK's record-breaking heatwave this summer, comparisons are being made to other memorable heatwaves in previous years. In 1976, the hot weather from mid-June to the end of August made it one of the most prolonged heatwaves within living memory. Here's how the two summers compare.
After 45 consecutive days without rain in some parts of the country, the UK suffered a severe drought in 1976. The reservoir at Pitsford, near Northampton, was left 20ft below its normal water level in July. Domestic water supplies were affected leading to widespread water rationing and a Drought Act was passed by the government.
The lack of rainfall over the last few weeks combined with record breaking temperatures is having a dramatic effect on water levels in reservoirs. Pictures of Llwyn-on reservoir in Wales' Taf Fawr valley show how it is starting to dry up. United Utilities have announced plans for a hosepipe ban from 5 August in the North West of England.
Exceptionally dominant high pressure led to the highest temperature recorded in June 1976. Thermometers reached 35.6 C in Southampton on the 28th. For those in London, relaxing in Trafalgar Square was a tempting option.
The Met Office have warned that the UK could be gearing up for its hottest day ever recorded, as Friday is set to reach 37C in the south east of England. Thanks to the high pressure system over central Europe, there is a possibility of a 38.5C peak, which would break all previous temperature records.
Farmers were faced with a number of problems due to dried up land. But the sweltering heat also caused long-lasting issues. In 2013, scientists found that the prolonged dry spell killed off many beech trees in British forests.
June 2018 was the driest on record since 1925 and environmentalist are urging people to consider the impact to wildlife. 'Many rivers around the country have dropped to lower levels than normal for this time of year, which can be damaging to wildlife,' Paul Hickey, from the Environment Agency, told the Met Office. 'We are meeting with affected groups including farmers to provide practical advice about conserving water and planning for prolonged dry weather. We encourage everyone to use water wisely to conserve supplies and protect the environment.'
Beaches across the UK were packed with holidaymakers during the hot weather in 1976, which was the sunniest summer on record with 669 hours. Photos from late June captured Brighton beach at its busiest.
As the summer heatwave has left Britain hotter than much of the Mediterranean, the sweltering temperatures have made staycations more appealing this summer. Brighton is one of the many seaside resorts which has basked in the good weather. As of mid-July, the Met Office has recorded 385 hours of sunshine on average across the UK this summer.
Eastbourne's promenade was a sought-after spot in June 1976.
In 2018, not much has changed. Ice cream sales are up 45 per cent with sun lounger hire also rising by 25 per cent, The Eastbourne Herald reports.
Despite temperatures reaching 32C, tourists still flocked to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony.
The Queen's Guards have continued to carry out their duties in the record-breaking temperatures this summer.
The Serpentine in London's Hyde Park was a popular place to cool off.
An early morning swim in Hyde Park's Lido has become a ritual for residents in the capital this summer.
Umbrellas were a popular sight at Wimbledon in 1976 – and it had nothing to do with rain. Umpires were even allowed to remove their jackets for the first time in the tournament's history, the Daily Mail reports.
Tennis fans endured one of the hottest tournaments in Wimbledon's history this year. The first Monday marked the second hottest opening day ever, with temperatures hitting 29C.
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