UK heatwave breaks temperature record as Met Office warns of marine heatwave threat

The mercury hit 35.5C in Surrey on Thursday, the highest temperature of the year so far, as the Met Office issued a health warning for London where the heatwave 'peaked' at 35C in Northolt. But the blistering heat is not confined to land. The Met Office has also warned of a marine heatwave sweeping UK waters, with sea-surface temperatures spiking in the English Channel and North Sea. Experts fear the unprecedented warmth, fuelled by heatwaves in May and June, could escalate this week, threatening marine wildlife and damaging coastal habitats. With temperatures expected to remain high, the dual threat to public health and marine ecosystems underscores the intensifying impact of extreme weather.