UK records hottest day of year as temperatures hit 38.1°C

The United Kingdom has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching to 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in west London.

The Met Office reports that this marks the second time this year the country has seen temperatures reach 38C, surpassing the previous 2026 record of 38C set during June’s heatwave.

Earlier, it happened twice in 2022, when the UK recorded its highest ever temperatures. Today marks the fifth hottest day on record in UK history. The intense heat has made 2026 the first year to record three separate days above 37°C and four days at 36°C or above, extending this year’s record-breaking run of days exceeding 35°C.

The Met Office has also issued a rare amber “extreme heat” warning across much of England covering areas from London to Sheffield, parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire until midnight.

Amid the high temperatures, rail operators have also urged the passengers to travel only if essential. The Royal College of Nursing has reported nurses collapsing during shifts while treating patients in high temperatures.

Wildfires also continue to burn across the UK detecting 24 possible large fires in the past 24 hours. England and Wales have already recorded 1,017 wildfires this year, matching 2025’s record breaking total.

Climate experts warn that these “shattering” conditions are only a sign of things to come unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut to net zero.