As we approach the end of June the heatwave engulfing Europe has set temperature records tumbling. In the UK the highest June temperature record was broken on three successive days.
The British temperature record for June was broken on Thursday 25th as 36.7C was recorded in Somerset, then 37.3 provisionally recorded in Suffolk the next day.
On the continent France was experiencing temperatures above 40C. The intense heatwave engulfing western Europe is being sustained by a weather pattern known as an omega block.
An omega block takes its name from the shape of the Greek letter Ω - with a bulge of warmer, settled high pressure held between two cooler low pressure systems.
The "blocking" element refers to how the high pressure area of warm air gets stuck.
As the heatwave abates, and moves eastward, other regions in Europe are feeling the heat.
We are told to expect more heatwaves this summer - the new normal is upon us.
