The UK has broken the 1976 record for the number of days above 30C – 25 and counting – as the country endures its third heatwave of the summer, the Met Office has confirmed. Temperatures are expected to climb between 30C and 32C across much of England and Wales this week, with the hot spell showing no sign of abating.
While the heat will be relentless for most, Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said there is a chance of sporadic showers and thunderstorms in isolated spots in southern England on Wednesday and Thursday. “The overall pattern continues to remain settled with large amounts of sunshine though this week,” he said, adding that many people will not see any rain. Eastern coastlines will be cooler, with cloud and onshore breezes keeping temperatures down.
“UK breaks 1976 record with 25 days above 30C as third heatwave brings 32C highs and wildfire warnings.”
The prolonged dry weather has heightened the risk of wildfires across parts of England and Wales. A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council warned: “When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.” Stronger breezes in some southern areas are also creating dangerous conditions for those heading into the water. Lee Pooley, Head of Safety at Paddle UK, advised that offshore winds can carry paddleboarders and other water users away from shore faster than they can paddle back.
Looking ahead to the weekend, high pressure is forecast to reassert itself from the northwest, pushing the risk of showers away and allowing settled, dry and warm conditions to return. While temperatures are expected to dip slightly from the midweek peak, much of the UK is still likely to enjoy fine weather into Saturday. The question now is how many more days the mercury will top 30C – and whether this summer will rewrite the record books entirely.
