Met Office Science Manager, Dr Amy Doherty, said: “This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones. Not only have we now recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34°C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, but it is also the first year in the UK weather record to see temperatures reach 35°C or higher in May, June and July. These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures, with exceptional warmth observed across multiple months.” 

Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place across large parts of England until Sunday, with temperatures expected to remain widely well above average across much of the UK over the coming days.

Areas of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30°C through the weekend and into next week, with Friday forecast to see 33°C-35°C  in some parts of central and western England and also Wales, while temperatures could rise to 30°C in southern Scotland and 27°C in Northern Ireland.

While temperatures will ease slightly from Friday’s peak, many southern and western parts are expected to remain above 30°C over the weekend and into next week.

Saturday will see highs of 32-34°C in Wales and southwest England, Northern Ireland temperatures could reach 25°C, while Scotland could see highs of 27°C.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Hayter, said: “Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30°C.

“While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30°Cs through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK. This will also bring some slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas than of recent days. It will also turn windier across southern areas, bringing breezier conditions, especially along coasts and headlands.

“The main exception to the largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front is bringing rain, cloud and some heavy downpours on Friday. But conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

“There is a possible increase in thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south, however most areas will remain dry, sunny and very warm into the coming week.”

Increasing wildfire risk in some areas

The warm and dry conditions, coupled with freshening winds will result in extreme wildfire conditions for many parts of England and Wales over the next few days.

A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said: "When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.

"We’re asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished. A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start."

Find out more on reducing the risk of wildfires from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

Staying safe in hot weather

With temperatures expected to remain high over several days, people are advised to take sensible precautions in the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week, and people heading outdoors should ensure they use appropriate sun protection.

Pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas.

READ: Learn more about UV and sun health

READ: Check the Met Office pollen forecast and find out more about pollen here

If you're planning on enjoying the water, here are three simple ways you can help keep yourself safer:  

  1. Check the water temperature, our seas and river temperatures are low enough to cause cold water shock when 15°C or lower  
  2. Wear a wetsuit if you plan on spending any length of time in the water  
  3. Wearing a life jacket or swimming buoy can increase your chances if you experience cold water shock 

With breezier conditions expected to develop in southern areas, there is an increased risk for those heading onto the water.

Lee Pooley, Head of Safety at Paddle UK said: "Offshore winds are incredibly deceptive because the water near the shoreline often looks perfectly calm, flat, and inviting. However, the moment you paddle out, a breeze blowing from the land can rapidly sweep a paddleboarder out to sea faster than they can paddle back.

"Our rescue data with the RNLI consistently shows that offshore winds are a primary cause of emergency callouts. We strongly advise everyone to check the weather and wind direction before heading out, and if the wind is blowing away from the shore, do not go."

READ: Top tips for safe paddling whatever the weather

You can find water safety advice on our website and in the Met Office app, which now features a dedicated beach forecast with tide times, wave heights and sea-surface temperatures, as well as guidance on UV and pollen levels.

You can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.

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