UK Records Hottest Day of Year as Fifth Summer Heatwave Intensifies The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous record of 38°C set on 28 June. This surge in heat coincided with a broader European heatwave, as parts of the continent endured temperatures exceeding 40°C under a persistent heat dome. The Met Office confirmed that the UK is on track to have its hottest summer since records began, with 2026 likely to mark the first year the country records four separate days of 36°C or higher. Across Europe, the heatwave intensified, with France reporting 17 consecutive days of extreme heat—a record for the region. In Bordeaux, temperatures hit 39°C, while Nantes reached 37°C. Paris recorded 37°C, and Montpellier saw 35°C. Spain faced similarly severe conditions, with Miranda de Ebro hitting 42.4°C, raising concerns over wildfire risks. In the UK, Charlwood in Surrey recorded 37.1°C, the second-highest August temperature since 2003, while Teddington in London and Pershore College in Worcestershire reached 36.1°C and 36°C, respectively. Wales also saw temperatures climb to 35°C. The Met Office issued an amber extreme weather warning for east and south-east England, including London, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber. An extreme heat alert was also activated for all of England, highlighting the potential strain on health and social care services until 9pm on Friday. The prolonged heat has led to widespread drought conditions, with nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales in drought. This has exacerbated water shortages for households, agriculture, and the environment, while also reducing river flows on the Danube, disrupting thermal power plants in Romania and Hungary.#uk #eu #met_office #kew_gardens #danube
