Temperatures in the UK have soared to the highest of the year, with the Met Office confirming a peak of 31.9°C at St James’s Park in central London. The heat was concentrated along the eastern half of the country as schools in England and Wales began their summer break.
Previously, the highest temperature recorded in 2024 was 30.5°C at Wisley in Surrey on 26 June. Friday’s heat wave saw temperatures across the UK reaching between 25°C and 31°C, though some areas struggled to hit 25°C since late June’s brief warm spell.
The Met Office predicts a shift to cooler weather, spreading eastward over the weekend, with temperatures expected to return to July norms by Sunday. July has been cooler overall, with temperatures around 2°C below average.
Cooler weather is expected this weekend, with July temperatures returning to seasonal norms.With the strong sunshine, the Met Office urged people to take precautions against sunburn, emphasizing the use of SPF sunscreen and seeking shade during the peak hours of 11am to 3pm, especially in southern regions.
Heat health alerts were issued across the Midlands, eastern, and southern England, effective from Friday until 11am on Saturday. These alerts primarily concern health and social care services, highlighting the risks to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.