Hottest day cuts odds for record highs in 2004

The hottest day so far this year, during which temperatures rose to 32C (90F) in some parts of Britain yesterday, had bookmakers cutting odds for a record temperature in 2004.

The hottest day so far this year, during which temperatures rose to 32C (90F) in some parts of Britain yesterday, had bookmakers cutting odds for a record temperature in 2004.

High temperatures were recorded across southern and eastern England yesterday. The hottest reading was 32C at Lakenheath, Suffolk. In London, temperatures hit 31.3C, while in Birmingham the mercury tipped 28C. Northern England and some parts of Wales were cooler (25-26C), as was southern Scotland (22-23C). The average for this time of year is about 19C (66F).

The weather was expected to cool overnight with thunder storms and cooler temperatures predicted for today.

William Hill bookmakers were yesterday offering 12/1 that temperatures would reach a record high this summer, shortening its odds from 20/1.