Temperatures to soar to 38C as amber extreme heat warning in effect

The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with a provisional temperature of 38.1C (100F) recorded in Kew Gardens. This marks the second time the UK has reached 38C so far this year, the first instance occurring at Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26. The peak of the UK's fifth heatwave is currently underway, accompanied by a rare amber weather warning for extreme heat across a significant portion of the country.

This warning will remain in effect until 23:59 BST, covering Eastern England, London, the south-east, Midlands, north-west England, south-west England, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber. The heatwave is coupled with amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency, warning of potential health and social care service impacts, including increased mortality, particularly among older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, a tropical night, where temperatures remain above 20C, is forecasted in some regions, further exacerbating the heat-related risks. Temperatures are expected to start decreasing by the weekend, though they will still be average or slightly above for mid-August. Thursday saw temperatures surpassing 37C in several locations, setting a new record for the most days in a year with temperatures of 37C or above, which has occurred only nine times since records began, with three instances in 2026 alone.

This marks the 38th day this year where temperatures exceeded 30C in the UK, surpassing the previous record of 34 days. August has seen four consecutive months with temperatures reaching 35C or higher, with the hottest August day on record standing at 38.5C, set in 2003. If August temperatures remain above average, this summer could surpass 2025 as the warmest on record.