UK shatters heat-record with 35 days above 30°C as new wave looms

The Met Office announced that the United Kingdom has set a fresh record of 35 days where daily maximum temperatures exceeded 30 °C, overtaking the 34-day mark set in 1995. After several locations topped 30 °C on Sunday, forecasters expect Wednesday and Thursday to bring further highs, with temperatures in the Midlands, eastern England, London, the south-east, Yorkshire and the Humber potentially reaching 38 °C, matching the summer’s highest reading at Lingwood, Norfolk.

An amber extreme heat warning has been issued for Thursday, and the UK Health Security Agency has activated amber heat health alerts across England, warning of likely health impacts and increased mortality. The alerts remain in force until Friday evening. While the current heatwave should subside by the weekend, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will still experience unusually warm conditions, though western areas may see some cloud and rain. Extended rainfall will be needed to alleviate the ongoing drought concerns.