Latest weather updates as the UK could hit 41C over the next two days - with forecasters saying the record temperature of 38.7C is likely to be broken on Monday and Tuesday.

Train services have been cut, schools closed and 999 calls are rising as temperatures soar through the 30s in the heatwave. 

On the Sky News Daily with Chloe Culpan, our science and technology correspondent Thomas Moore explains why it's so hot.

And Dr Radhika Khosla, an expert on extreme heating and cooling at Oxford University, sets out what the UK can do to adapt to more regular warm weather.

Bob Ward, head of policy and communications director, London School of Economics, has been speaking with our climate change correspondent Hannah Thomas-Peter - you'll be able to hear more from him on Sky News in her report this evening but one line stands out, about how the UK sees itself as a cold country.

This is what he had to say: "Britain has got to stop thinking of itself as a cold country. In the summer months, we are now a hot country.

"There is no excuse for the government's lack of preparedness for this kind of extreme heat event." 

The second-highest temperature in Ireland's history has been recorded in Dublin today, reports Stephen Murphy, Sky News Ireland correspondent.

It has reached 33C in the Irish capital, a fraction shy of the all-time record of 33.3C.

That was registered in 1887, making today the hottest in 135 years.

It is also the hottest day ever in Dublin. 

Steve Barclay, the new health secretary, has told the House of Commons he has discussed using more handlers for 999 calls and providing more ambulances, as part of his response to the heatwave.

Mr Barclay also said that NHS trusts have been asked to create extra capacity to prevent people being left in ambulances.

The health secretary added that pressure can be relieved by "following the common sense public health guidance, by looking out for others, in particular the elderly and the vulnerable. 

"With services under so much pressure, we must make sure that 999 calls are reserved for life threatening emergencies, and we must also consider what advice we can get through other services in particular, like NHS 111, NHS online resources and local pharmacies."

...Santon Downham in Suffolk, which has hit 38.1C

We are still edging closer to the all-time record of 38.7C, set in 2019.

This Met Office map showing temperatures around the UK is accurate as of 4pm...

The highest temperature on record in Wales has now risen to 37.1C in Hawarden, Flintshire, provisional Met Office figures show. 

This beats the previous record for the country which has been in place since 1990.

Earlier, Sky News defence and security editor Deborah Haynes brought you news that the runway at RAF Brize Norton had "melted" and that operations were paused.

Well, the RAF has since responded to our story, saying aircraft were able to use alternative airfields, and there was no impact on military operations.

Those looking to travel between Leeds and London tomorrow will face significant trouble, because the line is being shut down between midday and 8pm.

Trains running along the East Coast Main Line will not run south of Leeds - including stations such as Wakefield, Doncaster, Retford, Lincoln, Newark, Grantham, Peterborough, and Stevenage.

Those with tickets will be able to use them on Wednesday or Thursday, or be able to get a full refund.

Flights have been suspended at Luton Airport.

A spokesman for the Bedfordshire airport said: "Following today's high temperatures, a surface defect was identified on the runway. 

"Engineers were called immediately to (the) site and repair works are currently in progress to resume operations as soon as possible. 

"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused."

The UK could see potentially unprecedented temperatures this week, with weather warnings in place until Friday.

We are keen to hear your stories of the heatwave, whether it's unique ways you're enjoying - or enduring - the sun or if you have a more serious story to tell.

Please get in touch using our Your Report function - which also allows you to include photos - click here.

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