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UK bakes in 35C highs as heatwave to continue next week
bbc.
The United Kingdom is preparing for another day of intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius. This heatwave is not an isolated event. It is part of a prolonged period of warm weather that is expected to last until the end of next week. The combination of high daytime temperatures and warm nights is creating significant challenges for residents across the country.
On Thursday, the heat reached a critical point. For the eighth day this year, temperatures exceeded 34 degrees Celsius. This streak breaks a previous record of seven days set in both 1976 and 2020. The current heatwave began earlier this week and has been unusually long. Meteorologists forecast that these hot conditions will continue into the next week before cooler and more unsettled weather arrives.
Despite the ongoing heat, some parts of the UK may see temporary relief over the weekend. A north-easterly breeze is expected on Saturday. This wind will pull cooler air from the North Sea. However, this cooling effect will not be uniform. Areas in the south and east of the country will still experience heatwave-level temperatures. The cooler air will primarily benefit inland and eastern regions as the high-pressure system shifts northward.
On Friday highs of 35C are likely
The heat has been most intense in specific locations. On Thursday, the peak temperature was recorded at 35.5 degrees Celsius in Wisley, Surrey. This makes Wisley one of the hottest spots in the country on that day. Wales was not far behind. In Cardiff, Bute Park recorded a high of 31.3 degrees Celsius. In Scotland, Charterhall reached 29.3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Killowen in Northern Ireland registered the highest temperature for that region at 27.5 degrees Celsius.
As the week progresses, the focus of the heat will shift westward. On Friday, places such as Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and eastern Wales are expected to see temperatures rise to between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius in parts of these areas. This westward shift is due to the movement of high-pressure systems. While the north-east of England will feel the refreshing breeze from the North Sea, other areas will remain hot.
Cooler winds from the North Sea will bring temperatures down in some places on Sunday
It is important to clarify the nature of the records being broken. This current heatwave is not expected to break individual daily temperature records. However, it has broken the record for the number of days with temperatures at or above 34 degrees Celsius in a single calendar year. The Met Office announced on Thursday that there have been eight such days in 2026 so far. This surpasses the previous records set in 1976 and 2020, which both had seven such days.
The breakdown of these hot days is as follows: two occurred during the heatwave in May, four occurred in June, and two have occurred in the current July heatwave. A further day exceeding 34 degrees Celsius is anticipated on Friday. This cumulative count is what makes the current year notable, rather than the intensity of a single day.
To put this in perspective, we can look at previous notable heatwaves. During the heatwave in June, temperatures peaked at 37.7 degrees Celsius in Lingwood, Norfolk. This smashed the previous June record of 35.6 degrees Celsius. Wales also recorded its hottest June day at 35.9 degrees Celsius in Cardiff. Northern Ireland equalled its June record with 30.8 degrees Celsius in Castlederg, County Tyrone. Scotland fell slightly short of its all-time June record of 32.2 degrees Celsius, which was set in 1893. In June, the top temperature in Scotland was 31.2 degrees Celsius at Threave in Dumfries and Galloway.
In the current July heatwave, the highest temperature so far has been 35.5 degrees Celsius at Wisley in Surrey. While temperatures may drop slightly over the weekend, many places will still reach the official heatwave thresholds through much of next week. Some people may draw comparisons to the famous heatwave of 1976, where the UK saw 16 consecutive days above 30 degrees Celsius. However, experts state that this specific record is not likely to be broken. The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was during the unprecedented heatwave of 2022. On that occasion, an astonishing 40.3 degrees Celsius was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health warnings to manage the risks associated with this weather. Amber heat health alerts are in place for all of England except the north-east. In the north-east, a yellow alert is in effect. These alerts remain in place until 21:00 BST on Sunday. The UKHSA issues these warnings to prepare health and social care services for increased demand.
The amber alert indicates that significant impacts are likely. These impacts are particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including people aged 65 and over, young children, and those with existing health conditions. High daytime temperatures are especially dangerous when they do not fall significantly overnight. When nights remain warm, the human body does not have enough time to recover from the day's heat. This lack of recovery can lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
The alerts serve as a warning to the public. They encourage individuals to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, and checking on elderly relatives or neighbors. The collaboration between meteorological data and public health guidance is crucial for managing the risks of extreme weather events.
In addition to the physical discomfort of high temperatures, many people are also struggling with high levels of pollen. This combination creates a double burden for those with allergies or hay fever. At this time of year, grass pollen is the dominant allergen. However, weed pollen is becoming increasingly prevalent as the summer progresses.
The current weather conditions are ideal for the accumulation of pollen in the atmosphere. High temperatures, light winds, and a lack of rainfall allow pollen to build up rather than being dispersed or washed away. Rain usually helps clean the air by washing pollen particles out of the atmosphere. However, with dry weather expected to persist for several more days, pollen concentrations can build steadily. This dry, warm environment allows pollen grains to remain airborne for longer periods.
Furthermore, gentle breezes can transport pollen over large distances away from their immediate sources. An easterly wind is expected in southern areas from Friday. This wind pattern may carry pollen from rural areas into more populated regions. This combination of high pollen levels, very warm days, and oppressive nights can be particularly troublesome for hay fever sufferers. Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion may be exacerbated by the heat stress on the body.
Public health officials advise those with allergies to take extra care during this period. Keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, using air conditioning if available, and taking prescribed medications can help mitigate symptoms. The intersection of climate variability and public health issues highlights the need for adaptive strategies in managing seasonal health risks.
As the heatwave continues, the focus remains on managing the immediate health risks. While the weather forecast suggests some cooling late in the weekend, the overarching trend for the coming week remains warm. Residents are urged to remain vigilant. The record-breaking number of hot days in 2026 serves as a reminder of the changing climate patterns. Understanding these patterns and preparing for them is essential for maintaining safety and well-being during extreme weather events.
The data from this heatwave adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the frequency and intensity of hot spells in the UK. While it may not break the all-time temperature record, the duration and cumulative heat are significant. The interplay between temperature, humidity, and pollen levels creates a complex environment for public health. Monitoring these variables closely will help authorities and individuals adapt to the challenges posed by prolonged heatwaves.