Thermometers recorded 31.7C in the western port city of Ventspils, beating the previous July 8 record of 31.2C from 2001, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre reported.
The heat in the capital saw thousands of Rigans slipping away from work early to travel to Jurmala, the major beach resort close to the Latvian capital and other beaches at Bolderaja, Carnikava and further afield.
The heatwave is expected to continue into next week, so tourists planning a Baltic break could be in for an unexpectedly warm beach holiday.
Monday night saw temperatures staying above 20C all night - prompting weathermen to describe Latvia's weather as "tropical" - which may not be strictly accurate but at least will be something to reflect on during the freezing days of January and February.
