Heatwave in Southampton - in pictures

Searing heat reached 36.1C in Gosport, breaking a new record for the hottest day in June in the UK, beating a previous record of 35.6C in Southampton in June 1976.

Yesterday the city hit 34.7C, with people desperate to stay cool in the unrelenting sunshine.

Widespread disruption came with the sun, with around 80 schools closing or putting in partial closures amid calls from teaching unions to close fully.

Southampton was under a red weather warning on Wednesday for extreme heat. Some local braved the hot weather and headed out! Pictured - Youths on a yacht on the Hamble River Photos by Alex Shute (Image: Alex Shute)

Among those shut were Bitterne Manor Primary, Woodlands Community College, Portswood Primary School and St Anne's Catholic School.

Southampton General Hospital urged residents to attend A&E only in genuine emergencies, warning that its A&E department was "extremely busy" as temperatures continued to rise.

Marwell Zoo closed due to concerns about the animals in the extreme heat. It is not set to reopen until Friday.

Southampton was under a red weather warning on Wednesday for extreme heat. Some local braved the hot weather and headed out! Pictured - Scott and Lee enjoying an ice lolly on Weston shore. Photos by Alex Shute (Image: Alex Shute)

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Businesses also felt the impact. Mango Thai Tapas on Above Bar announced it would close for two days, saying temperatures expected to exceed 35C made it neither fair nor safe for staff to work.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Wellington pub said it would shut until 5.30pm, joking that staff deserved a day at the beach rather than cooking fish and chips in the heat.

Hampshire County Council confirmed that household waste recycling centres, including Southampton's First Avenue site, would close early to protect staff and visitors.

In the New Forest, as with many other council areas, bin collections were brought forward by an hour, with crews starting work from 5am to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Southampton was under a red weather warning on Wednesday for extreme heat. Some local braved the hot weather and headed out! Pictured - Locals out on the Hamble River Photos by Alex Shute (Image: Alex Shute)

The extreme weather also forced the cancellation of the Freedom of Gosport Parade. HMS Sultan said the decision had been taken in the interests of public safety, disappointing many residents and veterans who had planned to attend the ceremonial event.

Adding to concerns, the Met Office extended its heat warning into Friday, with hot and humid conditions expected to continue across parts of Southampton, Romsey, Chandler's Ford, North Baddesley and Twyford.