26 June 1976: Paramedics are called out to over 40 fainting cases in Leeds, while overheating cars cause huge tailbacks

The record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C was set in 1976 in Southampton

For 15 consecutive days in 1976 the sun beat down on Britain and the temperature hovered at 32C (89.6F).

The Met Office has issued a rare ‘red warning’ for temperatures which are expected to reach 39C