The UK's blistering heat has defied records once again, with temperatures soaring to 35.5C at Wisley in Surrey on Thursday, marking the eighth day of the year that the mercury has topped 34C. This prolonged spell of scorching weather has seen a new benchmark set for the number of days exceeding 34C in a single calendar year, eclipsing previous records from 1976 and 2020.
The Met Office confirmed the significant milestone on Thursday, as Wales also felt the heat with Bute Park in Cardiff reaching 31.3C. Scotland's temperatures were slightly lower, but still impressive, with Charterhall seeing 29.3C and Killowen registering 27.5C – the highest temperature recorded in Northern Ireland. Today, the focus of the most intense heat is expected to shift westwards, with areas such as Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and eastern Wales potentially seeing highs of 34C or 35C.
The UK Health Security Agency has maintained amber heat health warnings across large parts of England until Sunday at 21:00 BST. A yellow alert remains in place for the north-east, highlighting the potential for significant impacts on health and social care services – particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
While a north-easterly breeze from the North Sea may bring some slightly cooler air to eastern areas over the weekend, southern and eastern regions are still expected to experience heatwave thresholds. The Met Office has ruled out breaking any daily temperature records during this particular spell, but the cumulative number of days exceeding 34C this year remains unprecedented.
The current heatwave follows two earlier periods of extreme heat in May and June, with June's heatwave seeing a peak of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, and Wales recording its hottest June day at 35.9C in Cardiff. Northern Ireland also equalled its June record of 30.8C in Castlederg, County Tyrone.
Adding to the misery for those with allergies, high pollen levels are also widespread due to dry conditions and light winds. The combination of heat, lack of rainfall, and windless days creates ideal conditions for pollen to accumulate in the atmosphere – a challenge for those susceptible to allergies. While temperatures might dip slightly over the weekend, many areas are still projected to meet official heatwave thresholds for much of next week.
The Met Office advises that while comparisons to the 1976 heatwave, which saw 16 consecutive days above 30C, are understandable – that specific record is not expected to be surpassed during this current spell. As the country continues to swelter, residents and authorities alike will be keeping a close eye on the forecast for any signs of relief.