IT was hotter in Bournemouth than anywhere else in the country on Tuesday.

Temperatures hit the 30.5C (86.9F) mark at 2pm, the highest reading across the country, according to the Met Office.

Local weather enthusiast Jim Smith recorded a similar reading at his Springbourne-based weather station.

He said it had been the hottest June day in Bournemouth since his records began 22 years ago.

“This is possibly the most sustained spell of these temperatures in June since 1976.

“It’s very hot at the moment, and very noteworthy for June,” he added.

The Met Office has issued the second highest heatwave alert for all of Britain as the country endures the extreme heat.

The level three amber heatwave warning is one behind a national emergency and has been issued from 9am Monday to 9am Thursday, as forecasters anticipate highs of 33C (91.4F) nationally.

The amber warning is issued when “there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions” according to the Met Office website.

It means social and healthcare workers should ensure high-risk groups including the elderly, children and those with medical conditions, are kept cool and hydrated.