The UK is poised to break another weather record as it experiences an unprecedented fifth heatwave of the year. The current record for the most days exceeding 30C in a single year was set in 1995, with 34 such days. However, the UK has already logged 33 days above this threshold, and forecasts indicate the record will be surpassed by midweek.
Record-breaking temperatures expected
Provisional records show temperatures reached 31C in London on Sunday, equaling the 1995 figure. The Met Office forecasts highs of 30C in London on Tuesday, rising to 33C on Wednesday, and remaining in the 30s into Friday. The highest temperature of 36C is expected in parts of East Anglia and the South East on Thursday.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: "Today was yet another warm day across England and Wales, with temperatures again into the low 30s. And if anything, by the time we get to the middle of this week temperatures will actually rise even further. The reason for that is this area of high pressure which is building in from the west, and eventually by the time we get to Wednesday it will start to draw some air in from the continent so turning increasingly hot and humid - not only by day, but also by night."
Heatwave impacts and warnings
Stroud added: "Temperatures are likely to peak on Thursday in the mid 30s, and there may well be some weather warnings issued nearer the time, with impacts affecting the elderly and infrastructure." The prolonged heat has already led to drought warnings and wildfires, with Nottinghamshire Fire declaring a major incident as crews battled two large woodland fires.
Summer of broken records
This summer has seen at least nine Met Office weather records broken, including the first year to hit 35C in three consecutive months, the warmest June on record for England, and the driest month ever in the south of England. The UK also recorded its sunniest July since records began.
