Latest heatwave peaks with 38.1°C recorded and rain on the horizon in the south
Temperatures provisionally reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, making it the 5th hottest day on record for the UK.
Pershore in Worcestershire recorded highs of 38°C, with a total of 40 locations across central and southern England recording temperatures of 36°C or higher.
The latest extreme heat also means 2026 has seen the most number of days reaching or exceeding 36°C (four days) and 37°C (three days) with it also equalling 2022 for seeing two days of 38°C.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong, said: “This current spell of extreme heat is the latest in a remarkable summer. Numerous temperature records have been broken and we’ve seen an exceptionally dry season across much of England and Wales too.
“Temperatures will remain high overnight in the east, with a widespread tropical night likely where temperatures don’t fall below 20°C. Friday will be a less hot day, with temperatures forecast to reach highs of 34°C in the south east. Into the weekend temperatures could still hover over 30°C in the south, with a gradual return to average over the next few days.”
A cold front will gradually introduce fresher air, with conditions feeling far less humid by Saturday
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
While temperatures won't be as high as today, it will still feel fairly warm in any sunshine ☀️ pic.twitter.com/RbwLVPgxAq
Much needed rain
With such a prolonged dry spell across England and Wales, many are looking for signs of much needed rain.
Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steven Keates, said: “Many people are desperate for some rain to alleviate the impacts of the prolonged dry spell. There is a chance of some thunderstorms developing in central and southeastern parts of England later on Friday into Saturday, however these are very uncertain.
“A front moving south eastwards across the UK on Monday and Tuesday could bring northern areas some rain but amounts of rain in the south will be small at most and the majority will fall over Northern Ireland and Scotland. The next meaningful rain forecast for these very dry areas could be towards the end of next week as an area of low pressure influences our weather from the southwest. The detail on this will become clearer over the coming days, so stay up to date with the forecast.”
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