UK Records Hottest Day of the Year at 38.1C Amid Fifth Summer Heatwave
UKPulse Local Desk
The UK has experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with a provisional temperature of 38.1C recorded in southern England. This comes as Europe endures its fifth heatwave of the summer.
- Kew Gardens in west London recorded 38.1C, surpassing the previous high of 38C on 28 June.
- An amber extreme weather warning is in effect across east and south-east England, the Midlands, north-west England, south-west England, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber.
- An extreme heat alert for England, warning of significant impacts to health and social care, is in place until 9pm on Friday.
The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year to date, with a provisional temperature of 38.1C in southern England. The Met Office reported that the thermometer at Kew Gardens in west London exceeded the previous high of 38C set on 28 June.
This temperature peak coincides with Europe experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with continental temperatures approaching 40C. Charlwood in Surrey registered 37.1C, marking the second highest August maximum temperature since 2003.
An amber extreme weather warning has been issued for Thursday across east and south-east England, including London, the Midlands, north-west England, south-west England, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber. Additionally, an extreme heat alert, indicating significant impacts on health and social care services across the whole of England, is active until 9pm on Friday.
The Met Office has indicated that this summer is on track to be the UK's hottest since records began. It is also likely to be the first year with four separate days recording temperatures of 36C or above.
Why this matters: The ongoing extreme heat is contributing to record-low water flows in European rivers, impacting power generation, and has led to a surge in A&E attendance in England, with health leaders reporting the busiest summer ever for departments.
What this means for you: An extreme heat alert is in place across England until 9pm on Friday, warning of significant impacts to health and social care services. Water companies in England and Wales may increase bills to meet supply demands.