Heatwave: How have Britain's temperatures compared to UK bases abroad?

With temperatures soaring, the UK has had its first-ever extreme heat warning.

The Met Office reported that for the first time on record, temperatures exceeded 40°C.

The all-time UK high of 40.3°C was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, where the Royal Air Force has a Quick Reaction Alert base home to Typhoon fast jets.

But how does that compare to temperatures faced by overseas personnel?

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Belize

The British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence. British Army units and allies from Belize, had to endure one of the world's most unforgiving environments on Exercise Mayan Storm.

They had to operate in high levels of humidity and temperatures often in excess of 30°C. This week, amid the wet season, Belize is set to reach highs of 30°C.

Brunei

In Brunei, British Army personnel are dealing with highs of 31°C this week.

Summers there are long and hot; the winters are short and warm, and it is wet and overcast all year round. 

Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 24°C to 32°C.

The Army presence there comprises an infantry battalion of Gurkhas and an Army Air Corps Flight of Bell 212 helicopters.

Cyprus

The UK has enjoyed a close bilateral partnership with the Republic of Cyprus, retaining sovereign bases there for many decades.

An extreme high temperature warning was recently put in force in Cyprus with above average temperatures hitting the island. 

Temperatures rose to 40°C inland, around 35°C on the south and north coasts, around 33°C on the east coast and 30°C on the west coast and in the mountains.

Gibraltar

There has been a military presence in Gibraltar for more than 300 years. 

Met Office Gibraltar wrote on Twitter that Gibraltar will stay "much cooler" than the exceptional high 40°C heat in some parts of Spain "thanks to easterly Levante winds off the sea".

This week, Gibraltar has highs of 30°C.

Falkland Islands

UK Forces protect the islands to stop military aggression against Britain's South Atlantic Overseas Territories.

Temperatures in Port Stanley, the capital, are only expected to reach around 5°C this week! 

It is unsurprising, though, as it is in the middle of the southern hemisphere winter!