The UK is on track to break its record for the hottest day of the year for two days running with temperatures forecast to soar up to 33C on Friday. Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue with the weather on track to reach the low 30s in many areas, but it could surpass Thursday's record of 32.2C, the Met Office said. Health alerts have already been issued across England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and will remain in place until 09:00 on Monday as it warns of health risks to the wider population. The heatwave could peak on Saturday at a possible high of 34C, with thundery showers forecast for North Wales and northwest England, and dry and hot conditions in the east. According to the Met Office, by Friday afternoon many regions are also expected to pass the heatwave criteria - which means a temperature threshold is sustained for three consecutive days. A heatwave could be declared in London on Friday where it has passed the threshold of 28C for two days in a row. On Thursday, Suffolk became the first place in the UK to officially enter a heatwave after temperatures passed 27C for the third day in a row. Some relief is forecast for Sunday, where the south and east will dip to the high 20s, while temperatures will cool to the mid 20s elsewhere. Despite the record-breaking heat so far this year, temperatures are still below the June peak of 35.6C in 1976. The heat that continues to build is due to an area of high pressure across the UK which draws in hot weather from other parts of Western Europe with windy conditions. The UKHSA warned of "significant impacts" across health and social care services and a potential rise in deaths particularly among people with health conditions and those aged over 65. Firefighters have also responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year - a 717% surge on the same period in 2024, the National Fire Chiefs Council said. They are urging the public to exercise caution when spending time outdoors in order to prevent further spikes.
UK could break hottest day record with 33C peak
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UK Set to Experience Hottest Day of the Year with Temperatures Reaching 33C"
Bbc News
8.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The United Kingdom is poised to break its record for the hottest day of the year with temperatures projected to reach as high as 33 degrees Celsius on Friday. The Met Office has indicated that hot and dry conditions will persist, with many regions expected to experience temperatures in the low 30s. This forecast follows Thursday's record of 32.2 degrees Celsius. In anticipation of the extreme heat, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued health alerts across England, which will remain effective until 09:00 on Monday. These alerts highlight the potential health risks posed by the heatwave, particularly for vulnerable populations, including individuals with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. The heat is expected to peak on Saturday, with a possible high of 34 degrees Celsius, while thundery showers are predicted for North Wales and northwest England, contrasting with the dry and hot conditions expected in the eastern regions of the UK.
As the heatwave progresses, many areas are likely to meet the criteria for a heatwave designation, which requires sustained high temperatures over three consecutive days. London is on track to declare a heatwave on Friday, having already recorded temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Suffolk has been noted as the first location in the UK to officially enter a heatwave this year, achieving temperatures over 27 degrees Celsius for three days straight. Despite the record-breaking heat, current temperatures remain below the historic high of 35.6 degrees Celsius recorded in June 1976. The underlying cause of this high temperature is attributed to an area of high pressure that has settled over the UK, drawing hot weather from other parts of Western Europe. Additionally, the National Fire Chiefs Council has reported a significant increase in wildfires this year, with firefighters responding to over 500 incidents, marking a 717% rise compared to the same timeframe in 2024. They are advising the public to take precautions when outdoors to mitigate the risk of further incidents during this heatwave.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.