The heatwave in London is expected to last days longer than previously predicted, with hot weather set to continue for at least another week. The Met Office forecasts daily highs in the capital no lower than 29°C through until the end of next week. This comes after temperatures exceeded 34°C in London on Thursday, the fifth day of the current heatwave. A high of 31°C is predicted for Friday.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The mercury reached 35.1°C in Northolt at 4pm on Thursday, according to the Met Office. This marks the eighth day this year that temperatures have passed 34°C somewhere in the UK, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020. At Heathrow, the highest temperature recorded was 34.4°C at 4pm, surpassing the forecast of 33°C. A slightly higher temperature of 34.5°C was recorded at Northolt at 5pm.
Hosepipe Ban and Drought Warnings
Outside London, Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the East of England. Officials warn that drought conditions are increasingly likely as the nation swelters in temperatures set to climb as high as 36°C in the Midlands on Friday.
Thunderstorms Threaten Next Week
The long dry spell in London could be broken next week, with BBC Weather forecasting thunderstorms in the capital on Thursday and Friday. This may bring relief from the heat but also potential disruption.
NHS Urges Caution Amid Record A&E Visits
Health leaders are urging Londoners to take extra care as extreme heat continues to grip the capital. New figures reveal that London recorded 428,463 A&E attendances and 130,929 ambulance incidents in June. Dr Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: "Across May and June we saw a significant surge in demand, with over 16,000 more people attending A&E each month and more than 7,500 additional ambulance incidents compared to April — and our teams have risen to meet every one of them." He added: "Hot weather places real strain on both physical and mental health, and with temperatures reaching the thirties, it is more important than ever that people act early."
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
The Alzheimer's Society urged people to check on loved ones with dementia, as hot weather poses an increased risk to vulnerable people who may be less able to recognise thirst, dehydration or overheating. Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at the organisation, said: "As temperatures rise this week, we're urging families, friends and neighbours to check in on people living with dementia, help them stay hydrated and support them to stay cool, particularly during the hottest parts of the day."
Early Harvests Due to Heat
The hot weather has brought on early harvests, with Waitrose announcing its earliest-ever harvest for wheat and oilseed rape at its Leckford Estate farm in Hampshire. The supermarket said the unprecedented early start is a direct result of unseasonably high temperatures causing crops to ripen faster than usual. Dave Miles, farm manager at the Leckford Estate, said: "The record-breaking heat we are experiencing is a stark wake-up call to our changing climate."
Royal Visits Amid Heatwave
Prince William visited Hastings, East Sussex, on Thursday, playing crazy golf and speaking to fishermen about the effects of warmer seas. He arrived via funicular railway and encouraged children to cool down and "make a big splash" in the sea. Meanwhile, the King and Queen visited London Zoo, where Charles used a stethoscope to help give a health check to a Humboldt penguin amid the scorching heat.
Infrastructure Strain
Up to 650 homes were left without water overnight due to a burst water main on Old Ford Road in Bow. London Mayor Sadiq Khan thanked the London Fire Brigade for their efforts, noting they had their busiest day of the year during the heatwave. He urged extra care around parks, open spaces and waterways to keep London safe.
