Record breaking temperatures hit the borough at the weekend.

Sunday proved to be the hottest day ever in Croydon with temperatures reaching a new high of 37.9C, or 100F. The previous record was 36.5C (97.7F).

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “The hottest temperature previously recorded for Croydon was 36.5C in the summer of 1990.

The temperature on August 10 hit 37.9C breaking the record for the borough.”Although it will begin to cool down temperatures will remain high for the rest of the week.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “We will still be seeing some reasonable temperatures for the rest of the week, in the low 30s and high 20s as we head towards the weekend. We will be looking at about 26C or 27C by Thursday. These are still higher than average temperatures for this time of year.” While it proved the perfect opportunity to relax in the summer sunshine and top up tans for some such high temperatures came at a price.

The record breaking heat has also caused the highest level of air pollution in Croydon for more than seven years.

On Wednesday, August 6 the Thornton Heath air pollution monitoring site recorded ozone pollution levels of 108 parts per billion.

The previous highest levels were measured on June 7, 1996, when air pollution peaked at 122 parts per billion.

Ozone levels are typically around 50 parts per billion on sunny summer days and in most years levels peak at around 80-85 parts per billion.

Levels of fine particles are also increasing which can cause lung inflammation and a worsening of heart and lung diseases.

Croydon council is warning anyone with these conditions or people who suffer from breathing problems like asthma or bronchitis to take extra care.

Councillor Maggie Mansell, cabinet member for crime and public protection, said: “Anyone concerned about air pollution should call the councils free Air Quality Hotline on 0800 317 947 for up-to-date information about pollution levels in the borough and relevant health advice.” Rail travel too has been a traumatic experience for some commuters with delays caused by speed restrictions enforced to prevent tracks from buckling in the heat.

There have been at least two reported incidents of commuters suffering the effects of the heat while travelling, with an ambulance called to Purley station on Sunday to treat a 31 year-old man with breathing difficulties.

A spokesman for South Central, which runs East Croydon and Purley train stations, said: “We did have one woman who felt faint and had to get off at East Croydon. But it was nothing serious and she was fine after she had a sit down.

“Of course the best advice for people feeling faint is to get off at the first available station.” To combat dehydration among their passengers South Central staff handed out free water.

Pets were also finding the recent high temperatures a little difficult to bear.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, South Croydon, had to help Sam the cat who was bought into their surgery on Monday after he was suspected of suffering from heat exhaustion.

Luckily after being wrapped in a wet towel and placed by fan Sam was well enough to be discharged the same day.

Veterinary surgeon Adrian Ward from Addiscombe Road Surgery said: “Pets can suffer in the hot weather, it can make them lethargic, and put them off their food.

“The best advice for pet owners whose animals seem distressed because of the heat is to wrap them in a wet towel and place them by a fan, that will help replace and liquid they’ve lost.

“Owners of big dogs though should be careful not to let their animals drink too much water too quickly after exercise as this can twist their stomachs.”