Record-Breaking Heat Continues Across the UK
The Met Office confirmed that the UK recorded a temperature of 35.2°C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon, making 2026 the first year with six separate days exceeding 35°C. The previous record of five such days was held by 1976 and 2020. This year has also become the first to see 35°C or higher in three calendar months, and it has broken the record for most days at 34°C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
Health Alerts and Regional Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) escalated the heat-health alert for the North West and Yorkshire and Humber to amber from noon on July 9, effective until 9pm on Sunday, July 12. Amber alerts are now in place across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South West, and South East. The North East remains under a yellow alert. These alerts indicate a risk to health, especially for vulnerable groups.
Extreme Wildfire Risk Over the Weekend
Emergency services have warned of “extreme” wildfire risks over the weekend. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that the risk in London will escalate from “elevated” to “extreme” from Saturday to Monday, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed. LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.” Derbyshire Fire and Rescue confirmed it was fighting two wildfires: a moorland fire near Arnfield Farm in Glossop and another on Tintwistle Moor. On Friday evening, a “trackside” blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station in London caused rail line closures; LFB brought it under control by around 9.30pm.
Water Safety and Tragic Incidents
Derbyshire Constabulary recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water near the weir at Darley Abbey Mills after two teenagers got into difficulty. Greater Manchester Police also reported a scene at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, following the death of an 18-year-old on Friday. The Met Office urged people to check water temperature and avoid cold water shock when enjoying water activities.
Hosepipe Bans and Water Supply Strain
Water firms have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and areas of Kent. Strain on water supplies has intensified after successive heatwaves followed a record warm spring for England and Wales.
Weekend Forecast
Forecasters expect areas of England and Wales to continue exceeding 30°C throughout the weekend and into next week. Saturday is predicted to see highs of 32-34°C in Wales and south-west England. Merseyside recorded 30°C on Friday, with Sunday expected to reach 29°C, and the rest of the week peaking at 28°C. Amber and yellow heat health alerts remain in place across large parts of England until Sunday.
