JUNE'S weather was a case of one extreme to the other for people in Worcestershire.

Residents basked in temperatures hotter than the Mediterranean as a heatwave took hold, before being forced to don their jackets and umbrellas as dark clouds appeared and the heavens opened.

Last month saw extreme weather conditions as temperatures soared across the country in the longest unbroken heatwave in June for more than 20 years.

For five days, crowds flocked to many of the county’s water-based attractions including Droitwich Lido and the Splashpad in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, prompting the council to extend the opening hours, with temperatures reaching to more than 30C.

During the hot spell, Public Health England issued a level three amber heat alert – one tier below a national emergency –and West Midlands Ambulance Service urged people to take precautions as the service experienced an increased demand due to heat-related conditions.

Meanwhile, Worcester News readers sent in dozens of pictures of themselves frolicking in the sun.

The month started with temperatures in the low teens to early 20s, before a period of extreme heat started on Saturday, June 17.

This came to an end on Thursday, June 22, with temperatures falling to 22C, before plummeting further in what was a much colder end to the month.

The lowest recorded temperature during June was 14.5C on Thursday, June 29, which is less than the average for the time of year.

Weatherman Frank Hill, of Malvern, said: "We had, in fact, five very warm days, one after each other, the month dipped towards the end with two days that were wet and cold.

"The five days were June 17 to June 21. On those days the temperature record was a least 29C but the air was quite damp and moist.

"The highest temperature I recorded was on June 26 when it was 31.3C. That is not the highest temperature [recorded in June] – there have been occasions when the temperature has been higher, such as 31.7C in 2001 and 32.4 in 1995.

"The coolest day was June 29, with a temperature of 14.5C.

"As the day’s maximum temperature was only 14.5C that of course prevented the month beating the record overall.

"That is what summers are like – part of the month is wet and cold and then you get other days with warmer spells.

"The average daily maximum for June was 21.6C but that was not as high as in 1976, when it was 24.6C."

Mr Hill says he is not convinced Worcestershire is set for a sizzling summer.

He said: "I am always sceptical we will get a good summer because we had a dry spring.

"And we tend not to get a good summer if we have a dry spring.

"It looks like this week is going to be warm for a couple of days. The latest statistics say the temperature will be around 26C on Thursday and Friday.

"It might get cooler during the weekend. The temperature will be about 22C."