UK’s longest-lasting snow patch melts away for only the 10th time in 300 years

The longest-lasting patch of snow in the UK has melted away during the September heatwave.

The patch of snow, known as the “Sphinx”, is believed to have only melted 10 times in the last 300 years.

Located on a sheltered part of Braeriach in Cairngorms, Scotland – the UK's third-highest mountain at 4,252ft.

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Snow expert Iain Cameron, who monitors the condition of the patch, said it melted away earlier this week.

Up until 100 years ago, it was thought to be a permanent feature on the mountain but the Sphinx has melted five times since 2017.

It previously melted fully in 1933, 1959, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and now 2023.

According to experts, before 1933, the patch of snow is thought to have completely melted in the 1700s – though there is no formal record of this.

While other mountains across Scotland are known to have long-lasting snow patches, the Sphinx is considered to be the longest-lasting.

It sits on a 1,296m Munro and was named after a climbing route near the snow patch.

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Snow hunter Cameron has previously said that it was “beyond reasonable doubt” that a warming climate was the reason for the multiple disappearances.

It comes as the UK looks set for a scorcher this weekend and humidity could make the September heatwave feel much hotter than it actually is.

Thursday (September 6) marked the hottest day of the year so far as 32.6C was recorded in Wisley, Surrey, exceeding the previous record of 32.2C from June.

Weather forecasters say there is a chance the record will be broken again on Saturday (September 9) as temperatures are expected to reach 32C again, possibly even 33C.

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