After a distinctly soggy start, it seems that summer has finally arrived, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s at the start of the week.


A four-day heat health alert came into force on Monday as the East Midlands, the East of England, East Anglia and the South East baked in the sun. 
While the North West hasn’t experienced the same extremes, experts warned of an “increase in risk of mortality amongst vulnerable individuals and increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm”.
In the UK, a heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, relative to the expected conditions at that time and place.
The Met Office has a defined temperature threshold for each county and if the daily maximum meets or exceeds this value for at least three consecutive days it is classed as a heatwave.
These threshold values range from 28C in London and some Home Counties to 25C in northern England, Devon and Cornwall, Scotland, Northern Ireland and most of Wales.
With the sun coming out, we’re looking back at heatwaves past and our first picture, of a sunbather at The Glebe, Bowness, in July 2006 seems to encapsulate them perfectly.

(Image: Newsquest)
But it’s not all fun in the sun, as Crawford Blyth knew only well when water evaporated from the pond in Barrow Park in July 2013, affecting his boat business.

(Image: Newsquest)
There were also low water levels in Thirlmere as Cumbria baked in a heatwave in 2010.

(Image: Newsquest)
Pictured enjoying the sun is Harry Woodfine, five, from Barrow Island, who had a splashing time in the sea off Earnse Bay. 

(Image: Newsquest)

Another great way of cooling off is by eating an ice cream and two women are pictured with cornets in Allonby.

(Image: Newsquest)
A heatwave in 2016 prompted thunderstorms and heavy rain across north Cumbria and a cottage on the outskirts of Dalston was struck by lightning.

Resident Margaret Burns is shown by her damaged garage.

(Image: Newsquest)
The same year, the water park area at Silloth Green was a popular place for children. 

(Image: Newsquest)
Looking cool at the beach at Beckfoot are Alexandra, eight, and Eleanor Jackson, four. 

(Image: Newsquest)
Our final picture shows Colin the dog enjoying the sun on his beanbag in Carlisle. And why not?