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As Britain faces potentially record-breaking temperatures, here are some of the most Googled questions about the UK heatwave answered.

How long will the heatwave last? The prolonged wave of hot weather is due to subside today for most, although that will not necessarily mean the end of the hot weather for the coming weeks. The Met Office says that as we move into August, we are likely to see more “very warm” weather in parts.

What is causing the heatwave? The warmer temperatures have been attributed to “atmospheric blocking” – a phenomenon associated with slow-moving, high-pressure weather systems that effectively block westerly winds and cloud, in turn causing the normal eastward progress of weather systems to stall. This can lead to sustained periods of extreme heat in the summer or bitter cold in the winter.

How long did the heatwave last in 1976? In 1976, there were 15 consecutive days when temperatures reached 32C or higher.

What is a heatwave?

A heatwave is defined by the World Meterological Organisation as a period of “marked unusual hot weather” in a region lasting at least two days.