The Met Office has confirmed that the United Kingdom has set a new record for the number of days reaching 30C in a single year. Following a warm Sunday, the total count has reached 35 days, surpassing the previous record of 34 days established in 1995. Officials expect this number to increase further on Wednesday and Thursday as temperatures climb into the mid-to-high 30s across the Midlands and the south-east of England.
An amber extreme heat warning is in effect for Thursday, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach 38C in areas including London and Eastern England. Such a figure would match the highest temperature recorded this summer in Lingwood, Norfolk, and potentially mark the hottest August day since 2003. Furthermore, this year is on track to be the first time four separate months have seen temperatures hit 35C or higher.
In response, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts across all of England, warning of potential risks to health and increased pressure on social and medical services. These alerts will remain active until Friday evening. While the heat is forecast to subside by the weekend, the persistent lack of rain has left more than two-thirds of England in a state of drought, a situation that short-term showers are unlikely to fully resolve.
