Cambridge is hottest place in country as temperature exceeds 100F for only the second time
Cambridge has been confirmed as the hottest place in the country - reaching a sweltering 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6F).
The Met Office has confirmed this is only the second time that a temperature over 100 Fahrenheit has been recorded in the UK.
The Cambridge temperature beats that recorded in Heathrow and Kew Gardens, where the mercury reached 37.9C.
The high temperatures have caused chaos on the railways, with cancelled services and speed restrictions in place because tracks are susceptible to buckling in high temperatures.
Greater Anglia has suspended its services from Cambridge North due to multiple issues.
Earlier, it was advising passengers not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
There are delays on Thameslink services to and from Cambridge.
Despite being the hottest day of the year, there was no rest for Cambridge United players, who still trained today as they prepared for the new season.
It will be an uncomfortable night, with temperatures of 27C expected at midnight, dropping only to 22C by 5am.
A thunderstorm warning is in place for this afternoon, evening and Friday afternoon, when the temperature is due to reach 27C.
There is relief on the way though: the forecast is for 21C on Saturday and Sunday, with cloudy conditions.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week are due to be pleasant, with temperatures of 23C expected.
The heatwave prompted Tesco in Bar Hill to remove food from its chiller cabinets this afternoon.
Meanwhile, at Addenbrooke's Hospital an ice cream van was on hand, offering discounted Mr Whippy ice creams to staff.
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Trains cancelled and lines blocked between Cambridge North and London Liverpool Street
