Temperatures soared to record levels across the UK this week – and Oldham was no exception.

According to the Met Office, the town and its rural surroundings roasted in up to 36°C sunshine.

This reporter, ever intrepid, decided to take a reading or two of his own to see how hot it was in areas across Oldham really.

What I discovered was alarming – and not the result of a cheap thermometer...

12.50pm (50.8°C)
My first stop took me to Alexandra Park, but before I got out the car, I took a reading.

I think it's safe to say my reporter's salary doesn't extend to a car with air conditioning.

The Oldham Times:

1pm (44.8°C)
Alexandra Park itself was scorching too as the temperatures were at their highest.

Those at the park with any sense at all (not me) were in the shade and staying as still as possible.

The Oldham Times:

1.30pm (36.2°C)
Seeking shelter, I went to Spindles in the town centre.

The air conditioning was on overtime, but it still wasn't what I'd call comfortable.

The Oldham Times:

2pm (41.8°C)
As I arrived at Oldham Central, all trams were cancelled due to the temperatures.

Union Street seemed to work as a wind tunnel, and it helped to cool the area down a small amount.

The Oldham Times:

3.50pm (43.6°C)
I hoped it'd be better on the waterside, but Dovestone Reservoir disappointed me.

The lack of shade led the cheap thermometer back towards the mid-40s.

The Oldham Times:

4.40pm (38.6°C)
By the time I got to Grandpa Greene's, it was starting to cool down, if you can call it cooling down.

A well-earned ice cream topped off a day of hard-hitting climate reporting.

The Oldham Times:

 

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