Britain braces for new heatwave as mercury set to go higher

With mercury level soaring, the met office has predicted that Thursday could be Britain's the hottest day in history. The temperature could touch record 39C in the south east, surpassing 38.5C in Faversham, Kent, recorded in 2003.

According to BBC Weather, temperatures could rise up to 39C (102.2F) in the London area, and many other parts of the UK could exceed 30C.

Britain experienced the hottest day of the year on Wednesday. Europe Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands too have recorded their highest ever temperatures on Wednesday. Media reports say that one swimmer confirmed dead and two other missing in London as Britain swelters in the continuing heatwave.

Having experienced storms and lightning strikes in the early hours of Wednesday, the highest temperature on Wednesday was recorded was 34.3C at Writtle near Chelmsford in Essex, followed by 33.9C in Cavendish, Suffolk. Previously Heathrow had recorded 34C in June this year.

Rail passengers have struggled with delays and cancellations after lightning damaged signalling equipment at many places. Railways have warned passengers not to travel due to service disruption in many areas.

Met Office has issued yellow warning for rain with thunderstorms in eastern Scotland and the north and east of England from 15:00 BST on Thursday into early Friday morning.

Night-time temperatures—minimum temperature across a 24-hour period—could remain as high as 24C.

Though Tuesday was predicted become Britain's hottest night on record, the peak temperature of 21C at St James' Park in London was below the 23.9C recorded in Brighton on August 3, 1990.

Emergency services have asked people to take precautions as lightning strikes could lead to power cuts and affect traffic conditions.

NHS have advised people to keep windows shut to escape from the heat wave that could last until the weekend. High temperature can cause heatstroke and heat exhaustion with early signs such as headache and dizziness.