Thousands of North East beachgoers headed to the coast on Thursday to enjoy a red hot summer day, as temperatures in the region were expected to reach up to 32°C. The UK is currently experiencing its fifth heatwave of the year, with extreme heat affecting much of the country.
Record-breaking heat across the UK
In London, temperatures provisionally reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens, marking the fifth hottest day on record for the UK. The latest extreme heat means 2026 has seen the most number of days reaching or exceeding 36°C, with four days, and 37°C, with three days. It also equals 2022 for the number of days reaching 38°C, with two such days.
While there are no Met Office weather warnings for the North East, the region is currently under an amber heat health alert until August 14 at 9pm.
Crowds pack beaches in Tynemouth and Cullercoats
Photos from Tynemouth show a packed Long Sands Beach and King Eddie's Beach, with hundreds of people enjoying the weather. At Cullercoats Bay, beachgoers were seen paddle boarding and pier jumping to cool off from the heat.
Sunshine is expected to continue into the evening and into Friday.
