- The UK has seen its hottest day of the year so far, with a provisional recording of 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London, nudging past the previous record of 30C set in Lingwood, Norfolk, in June.
- Temperatures have already exceeded 37C in Charlwood, Surrey, and could hit 38C in parts of England later this afternoon, as the UK experiences its fifth heatwave of the year.
- Charlwood (Surrey) and Pershore (Worcestershire) have provisionally recorded 37.8C – just two tenths of a degree shy of this year’s highest temperature so far.
- An amber extreme heat warning is in place for parts of England until midnight, while a thunderstorms warning is in place for Northern Ireland until 06:00 tomorrow morning.
- Since records began, only four days have been hotter than today in the UK – all in the 21st century.
- The highest temperature recorded so far this year is 38.0C at Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June.
The UK is sweltering through its hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to 38.1C at Kew Gardens. This surpasses the previous record of 30C set in Lingwood, Norfolk, and marks the second time this year temperatures have reached 38C.1
An amber extreme heat warning is in effect for parts of England until midnight, while Northern Ireland is under a thunderstorms warning until 06:00 tomorrow morning. The Met Office has confirmed that only four days in history have been hotter than today, all occurring in the 21st century. The hottest day on record was 40.3C on 19 July 2022.4
Charlwood (Surrey) and Pershore (Worcestershire) have recorded temperatures of 37.8C, just shy of this year's highest temperature. If confirmed, this summer will break records for the number of days exceeding 37C, a feat achieved only nine times since records began.3
Local residents are feeling the heat intensely. Suzanne Badger, a pub manager in Pershore, noted, "People are walking in off the street melting." Meanwhile, Lisa Scott, a councillor in Charlwood, described the conditions as "oppressive," stating, "When you open the back door you are just hit by the heat."
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation as temperatures may rise further this afternoon, with many areas of the UK experiencing dry conditions and drought warnings in place for 71.3% of England and all of Wales.
“The heat has pushed 71.3% of England and all of Wales into drought, with temperatures exceeding 37C in Charlwood and Pershore. A pub manager in Pershore said the kitchen is 36C, calling the heat "unbearable," while a councillor described walking outside as "like stepping off a plane in a tropical country."”
BBC
