- Pershore in Worcestershire recorded highs of 38.1°C, with a total of 40 locations across central and southern England recording temperatures of 36°C or higher.
- The Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning for parts of the UK as temperatures soar.
- Temperatures will remain high overnight in the east, with a widespread tropical night likely where temperatures don't fall below 20°C. Friday will be less hot, with highs of 34°C in the southeast.
- There is a chance of thunderstorms developing in central and southeastern parts of England later on Friday into Saturday.
- A front moving southeast across the UK on Monday and Tuesday could bring some rain to northern areas, but amounts in the south will be small.
- Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated that this current spell of extreme heat is part of a remarkable summer, with numerous temperature records broken and an exceptionally dry season across much of England and Wales.
- The latest extreme heat means 2026 has seen the most number of days reaching or exceeding 36°C (four days) and 37°C (three days), equalling 2022 for two days of 38°C.
- The next meaningful rain for the dry areas could be towards the end of next week as an area of low pressure influences weather from the southwest.
The UK is currently experiencing a significant heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, marking the fifth hottest day on record.1
Pershore in Worcestershire also recorded highs of 38°C, with over 40 locations across central and southern England reaching 36°C or higher.7
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong noted, “This current spell of extreme heat is the latest in a remarkable summer. Numerous temperature records have been broken and we’ve seen an exceptionally dry season across much of England and Wales too.”6
2026 has already seen the most days reaching or exceeding 36°C (four days) and 37°C (three days), equaling 2022 for two days of 38°C.
Temperatures are expected to remain high overnight, with a widespread tropical night likely where temperatures won’t fall below 20°C.3
Friday is forecasted to be slightly cooler, with highs of 34°C in the southeast, while the weekend may still see temperatures over 30°C.4
Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates mentioned, “Many people are desperate for some rain to alleviate the impacts of the prolonged dry spell.”
There is a chance of thunderstorms in central and southeastern England later on Friday into Saturday, although this remains uncertain.
A front moving southeast across the UK early next week could bring rain to northern areas, but the south may only see minimal rainfall.
The next meaningful rain for the dry areas could arrive towards the end of next week.
“Pershore in Worcestershire hit 38°C, with 40 locations across central and southern England reaching 36°C or higher. 2026 now ties 2022 for two days of 38°C, and Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong calls it a remarkable summer with numerous records broken.”
Met Office
