Key Takeaways
- Kew Gardens in London recorded a temperature of 38.1 °C on Thursday, marking the UK’s hottest day of 2026 so far and the fifth highest temperature ever recorded in the nation.
- This is the second time this year that the 38 °C threshold has been exceeded, following Lingwood, Norfolk’s 38.0 °C on 26 June; the only previous year with two 38 °C days was 2022.
- The Met Office issued an amber warning for extreme heat across large parts of England, which expired at midnight, but high temperatures are expected to persist in central and eastern regions on Friday.
- Forecasts indicate temperatures of 29‑34 °C (84‑93 °F) across the Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and the south‑east, with many locations experiencing a third consecutive day above official heatwave thresholds.
- Cooler air will begin to advance into northern and western parts of the UK, keeping temperatures generally above seasonal norms in the low to mid‑20 °C range.
- While most areas will stay dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, isolated showers—some potentially heavy and thundery—are possible, particularly in the west.
Record-breaking temperature at Kew Gardens
On Thursday, the meteorological station at Kew Gardens in London logged a peak temperature of 38.1 °C, surpassing all previous readings for the year and positioning the day as the fifth hottest in UK history. The measurement, taken under standard conditions in a ventilated shield, reflects the intense solar radiation and limited cloud cover that dominated the southern England sky. This extreme heat not only broke the 2026 annual record but also underscored the growing frequency of high‑temperature events in a climate that is trending toward warmer summers. The reading was corroborated by nearby automatic weather stations, which reported values within a tenth of a degree, lending confidence to the accuracy of the observation.
Historical context of 38 °C occurrences in the UK
Reaching or exceeding 38 °C is a rare milestone for the United Kingdom, having occurred only a handful of times since reliable records began in the mid‑19th century. Prior to 2026, the UK had logged just four days at or above this threshold: 10 August 2003 (38.5 °C at Faversham), 25 July 2019 (38.7 °C at Cambridge), 19 July 2022 (38.1 °C at Heathrow), and 26 June 2026 (38.0 °C at Lingwood, Norfolk). The fact that 2026 already contains two such days—Kew Gardens’ 38.1 °C and Lingwood’s earlier 38.0 °C—mirrors the pattern seen in 2022, the only other year with multiple 38 °C readings. This repetition highlights a shift toward more frequent extreme heat episodes, consistent with climate projections that anticipate a rise in the likelihood of temperatures surpassing 38 °C in the UK.
Met Office amber warning and its expiration
In response to the soaring temperatures, the Met Office issued an amber warning for extreme heat that covered extensive portions of England, including London, the Midlands, East Anglia and parts of the south‑east. The warning, which signifies a heightened risk of health impacts and potential disruption to transport and utilities, was in effect from early Thursday morning until midnight. Upon expiration, the formal alert was lifted, but the Met Office emphasized that the underlying heat mass remained in place, maintaining elevated temperatures across the affected regions. The agency continued to advise the public to stay hydrated, avoid excessive exertion during peak sun hours, and check on vulnerable neighbours, even though the warning level had been downgraded.
Forecast for Friday: lingering heat in central and eastern England
Although the amber warning has lapsed, meteorological models predict that high temperatures will persist into Friday across central and eastern England. The Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and the south‑east are expected to experience daytime highs ranging from 29 °C to 34 °C (84‑93 °F), with plenty of sunshine driving the warmth. These values remain well above the typical July averages for the regions, which usually sit in the low‑20 °C range. The persistent heat is attributed to a stalled high‑pressure system over the continent, which is funneling warm air northward and suppressing cloud formation. As a result, many localities are poised to record a third straight day above the official heatwave threshold of 28 °C for at least three consecutive days.
Heatwave thresholds and consecutive days
The UK Met Office defines a heatwave as a period of at least three consecutive days where the daily maximum temperature meets or exceeds a location‑specific threshold—commonly set at 28 °C for much of England, with higher thresholds in London and the south‑east. Thursday’s 38.1 °C at Kew Gardens comfortably exceeded this benchmark, and Friday’s forecasted highs suggest that many areas will achieve the requisite three‑day streak. This extended spell of elevated temperatures increases the risk of heat‑related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among outdoor workers, the elderly, and those with pre‑existing health conditions. Public health officials are therefore reinforcing guidance on staying cool, using fans or air conditioning where available, and recognizing early signs of heat stress.
Cooling trend in north and west
While the south and east continue to bake, a gradual shift in air mass is bringing cooler conditions into northern and western parts of the United Kingdom. Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the north‑west of England are expected to see temperatures generally ranging from the low to mid‑20 °C (68‑74 °F), still above the seasonal norm but markedly cooler than the southern heat plume. This contrast is driven by a weak cold front moving in from the Atlantic, which introduces increased cloud cover and a higher chance of precipitation. Despite the moderating influence, the Met Office notes that humidity may remain relatively high, which can affect perceived comfort even when actual temperatures are lower.
Precipitation prospects: showers and thunderstorms
The forecast for Friday also includes the possibility of isolated showers, with some areas—particularly across the west and north—potentially experiencing heavy, thundery rain. These convective events arise from the interaction of the lingering warm, moist air at lower levels with the advancing cooler air aloft, creating instability that can trigger brief but intense downpours. While the majority of the country will remain dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, the chance of thunderstorms warrants caution for outdoor activities, as lightning and sudden heavy rain can pose hazards. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and increase following distances in any areas where rain develops, and event organizers should have contingency plans for rapid shelter.
Broader implications and advice
The recurring occurrence of extreme heat in the UK carries wider implications beyond immediate discomfort. Infrastructure such as railways can experience rail buckling under high temperatures, and road surfaces may soften, increasing maintenance demands. Water usage often spikes during heatwaves, placing additional strain on supply networks, particularly in regions already facing seasonal drought pressures. Energy consumption rises as air conditioning and fans operate more intensively, which can affect grid stability. In light of these challenges, authorities urge businesses and individuals to adopt heat‑mitigation strategies: scheduling work outside the hottest hours, ensuring adequate hydration, providing shade for workers and livestock, and checking on vulnerable community members. As climate trends point toward more frequent and intense heat episodes, proactive planning and public awareness will be essential to safeguard health, safety, and resilience across the nation.