Britain’s longest-lasting snow patch melts for only the tenth time in 300 years amid September’s heatwave

BRITAIN’S longest-lasting snow patch has melted for only the tenth time in 300 years — as September’s heatwave continues.

The icy spot, nicknamed The Sphinx, forms on a sheltered part of Braeriach mountain in Scotland’s Cairngorms.

It was thought to be a permanent feature until 100 years ago.

But the patch melted this week — for the fifth time since 2017.

Meanwhile, the record-breaking heatwave will continue this weekend.

And tomorrow is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures are likely to climb to 33C (91F) in the afternoon.

But hail storms and lightning could hit parts of central England and Wales.

The Met Office's Stephen Dixon said: “The South and East will probably hold on to the hot weather the longest.

“But we have issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon for central England and eastern Wales.

“Some might see 30-50mm of rain; there's a possibility of hail and lightning.

“Not everyone will see these showers; they'll pop up here and there.

“There's a bit of a weather breakdown on the way. Some might see thundery rain but it will stay hot.”