Us Brits go mad for a bit of sun, with the joke ‘We like it hot, but not too hot’.

For a lot of us who have been desperately trying to get our desk fans to work, it has definitely been too hot.

The average temperature for the UK in June was 19.9C, just four degrees lower than in Greece.

The hottest day was June 28 when the mercury hit 25C and temperatures in East Anglia officially peaked at 21.6C although the still air made it feel hotter.

The hottest temperature recorded in the UK was in August 2003 when the Scottish borders had temperatures of 32.9C.

Provisional statistics show this June is one of the UK’s top five warmest Junes on records dating back to 1910.

Sun shines on businesses

The scorching weather has been a godsend to businesses in the tourism industry.

Seaside firms such as the Little Beach Hut Company in West Mersea are doing particularly well. The beach hut hire company is now fully booked for July and August.

Chosan, based in Colchester, is also cashing in and has created limited edition sorbets to take the heat out of the heatwave.

Chosan has launched watermelon and hibiscus flavours.

Business owner Eliza Jones said: “This is an exciting time for Chosan.

“This limited-edition product really epitomises what Chosan is about – authentic, adventurous flavours.”

The sorbets can be found in Frinton, Mersea, Ardleigh, Boxted and Colchester.

Britain will feel more like the Mediterranean

We have seen some bizarre changes in climate and wildlife this year.

But Jules Pretty, professor of Environment and Society at the University of Essex, dispelled the myth of a two season year, but said hot and cold spells will last longer.

He said: “The predictions for climate change are we’ll have more extreme events, and, when weather patterns set in, they are more likely to persist for longer.

“I don’t think we’re heading for a two season year, but we are beginning to look and feel more like the Mediterranean.

“This year, we have seen some really odd overlaps, with some plants, birds and insects late to arrive, and others hanging on for much longer than normal.

“I live in Nayland, and we had stag beetles flying at the end of May.

“I’ve never known them fly before the third week of June.

“At the same time, swifts were three weeks late in their arrivals.”

There will not be a hosepipe ban...yet

June was also a dry month, with Essex having just 1.7mm of rainfall, only four per cent of the average.

The prolonged hot weather has raised concerns about a potential drought but Anglian Water says there is no need to panic quite yet.

A spokesman said water levels in reservoirs are still healthy and it will take a lot more than the current warm spell of weather to cause major issues.

The spokesman added: “However, since the warm weather arrived, we’ve seen usage increase by around four million litres a day in Colchester alone.

“So we do want people to use water wisely to make sure there’s enough for the long term future too.

“So please drink plenty, but also think about how you can love every drop.”

The heat is here to stay but thunderstorms are due

The big question is how long will this glorious weather last?

For sun lovers it is good news as the Met Office says high pressure will continue to bring hot weather throughout July.

Chief meteorologist Will Lang said: “The heatwave conditions will continue, although peak temperatures may not be quite as high as we have seen.”

The hot weather brings thunderstorms, however, and Mr Lang said a weather warning for torrential rain has been issued in the south west. However, as we all say ‘We could do with a bit of rain’.