Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ

Most of us in the UK enjoyed the weather this summer. I remember the fine summers of 1976 and 1987 when temperatures reached above 30°C. What is the hottest temperature we could have at the UK’s latitude given ideal conditions? Could it exceed 40°C? Not that I’m hoping it would.

Adrian Hutchings, Bournemouth, Hampshire, UK

We pay £25 for every answer published in New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ. To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.

You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.

Terms and conditions apply.