As sun worshippers eagerly anticipate ideal conditions for soaking up the rays, these images serve as a nostalgic reminder of a remarkable heatwave that made history.

In the historical summer of 1976, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, making it one of the hottest on record.

Since then, the record for the highest individual temperature has been broken twice. In 1990 and then again in 2003 when Brogdale in Kent reached a scorching 38.5C (101.3F). However, despite these milestones, nothing has matched the unparalleled persistence of the extreme heat experienced in 1976.

Cooling down in Southampton Precinct in 1976. (Image: Echo)

Every day between June 22 and July 16, 1976, the temperature reached well above 80F.

However, the heat was at its most intense between June 23 and July 7, with temperatures soaring to 90F every day in some places.

The intense heat of the sun caused water reserves to dry up, leaving parts of the Southern region parched and vulnerable to wildfires that consumed hundreds of acres of land.

As Hampshire firefighters rushed to deal with 175 daily incidents, the blazing heat compelled Echo kitchen staff to cook eggs on a searing manhole cover

Echo canteen staff prepaaring to fry an egg outside.Echo canteen staff prepaaring to fry an egg outside. (Image: Echo)

Adding to the chaos, a malicious arsonist ignited 14 fires at Southampton General Hospital.

In the midst of the dry spell, ladybugs flourished, water management officials monitored residential yards for unauthorised hose usage, brewing operations faced jeopardy, and lines for ice cream vans seemed to stretch on forever.

In the initial days of October, the arrival of rainfall marked the beginning of what would become a remarkably rainy autumn season.

When the rain finally arrived in early October, it led to one of the wettest autumns on record.