BRITAIN SIZZLES IN SOARING TEMPERATURES

11:47am 18th July 2006

Temperatures across Britain are set to beat holiday resorts such as Ibiza and the Canary Islands today as the glorious weather continues across England and Wales.

Unbroken sunshine and temperatures up to 33 degrees Celsius (91F) have been recorded in west London and an unbearable 47C (117F) on the capital's transport networks. Only western Scotland IS experiencing some cloud and patchy rain and drizzle.

By contrast, temperatures in Ibiza will reach a high of 31 degrees Celsius (88F), the Canary Islands will reach 27 degrees Celsius (81F) and the French Riviera will reach a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius (86F) today.

And in Las Vegas, another popular destination for British tourists, the hot weather has broken to give way to dramatic thunder and lightning storms. Pictured right is the moment a breathtaking bolt of lightning struck above the Luxor Hotel and casino in Las Vegas on Monday night.

In Britain the hot weather is expected to break on Wednesday night with thunderstorms forecasts for the south west of England spreading through the rest of England and Wales on Thursday.

But before then, the country is set to get hotter over the next two days with a high of possibly 35 degrees Celsius (95F) forecast for west London on Wednesday.

While the soaring heat may be good news for sun-seeking holiday makers, it's causing distress and discomfort for commuters on London's transport system.

Temperatures were recorded at 52C (126F) on buses and 47C (117F) on Tubes yesterday, in readings which combine heat and humidity. That's double the limit set for transporting cattle.

Adam Kenny, forecaster for PA WeatherCentre, said: "It is getting hotter. We are going to have 34 degrees Celsius on Tuesday (93F) in west London and then it will get even hotter on Wednesday, up to an unbearable 35 degrees Celsius (95F) in west London again."