Temperatures have climbed above 37C in some parts of England for the third time this year, setting new records for days of extreme heat in 2026.
The Met Office said by early afternoon temperatures had reached 37.6C at Charlwood in Surrey, 37.2C at Wisley, and 37C at Kew Gardens in London. A further 10 weather stations recorded temperatures at or above 36C, according to provisional figures.
Record-breaking year
This makes 2026 the first year on record to see three separate days where temperatures reached the 37C threshold, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above. Before 2026, the UK had recorded 37C or higher on only six occasions.
The year also extends its record-breaking run of days above 35C. Temperatures could reach 38C in some parts of England, in the fifth heatwave during what is on track to be a record hot summer, beating the previous record set only last year.
Warnings in place
Amber warnings for extreme heat are in place for a swathe of England from London to Sheffield, parts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, into Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in the South West, and Shropshire and Herefordshire in the west. The Met Office warned the highest temperatures on Thursday are expected in parts of the Midlands and western England.
A yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued for Northern Ireland, in place until 6am on Friday. Amber heat health alerts are also in place for most of England until Friday, with officials urging people to take precautions such as staying out of the sun at the hottest part of the day, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and staying hydrated.
Wildfires and drought
England and Wales have already seen as many wildfires this year as during the whole of 2025. Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the same as last year's record-breaking total.
Crews from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have continued battling a blaze which hit protected heathland in the New Forest after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday. In a statement, the service said: "Once again firefighters have been working through the night at the scene of the New Forest wildfire." Crews have been using techniques including mulching, tree felling and "backburning", controlled burning to create firebreaks. The service added: "Our teams continue to make good progress, but we still expect to be on the scene for the next few days, with the A31 remaining closed."
With record dry conditions in July and a dry start to August, nearly three quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, heaping pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
