The world has experienced its hottest day on record, according to meteorologists. The average global temperature reached 17.01C (62.62F) on Monday, according to the US National Centres for Environmental Prediction. It comes as the southern US and China have been hit by heatwaves, while temperatures in North Africa have neared 50C (122F).

The world has experienced its hottest day on record, according to meteorologists.

The average global temperature reached 17.01C (62.62F) on Monday, according to the US National Centres for Environmental Prediction.

The figure surpasses the previous record of 16.92C (62.46F) - set back in August 2016.