Temperatures across the United Kingdom are forecast to climb as high as 35C (95F) on Thursday as the ongoing heatwave extends further into northern and western parts of the country.
The current spell of hot weather, the third heatwave of the year, began earlier this week. While it is not expected to surpass previous temperature records, forecasters say its prolonged duration will make it particularly significant.
On Wednesday, Heathrow Airport recorded a high of 33.8C, while temperatures reached 31.2C at Cardiff Bute Park in Wales, 29.0C at Aboyne in Scotland and 27.1C at Helen’s Bay in Northern Ireland.
Hot conditions are expected to become more widespread on Thursday and Friday, with many areas experiencing temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s.
Above-average temperatures are forecast to spread westwards and northwards on Thursday as a strong area of high pressure keeps conditions largely dry and settled, allowing the heat to intensify.
The hottest weather of this heatwave is expected on Thursday and Friday. Although temperatures will remain below those recorded during June’s heatwave, when a provisional 37.7C was measured at Lingwood, Norfolk, parts of London and Cambridgeshire are forecast to reach 34C, with a few locations possibly hitting 35C on Thursday.
By Friday, the high-pressure system is expected to shift further north, pushing the hottest conditions into parts of the Midlands and southern Wales, where temperatures are likely to remain in the low to mid-30s.
Meanwhile, an easterly breeze is expected to bring slightly cooler weather to eastern parts of the country.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, temperatures are forecast to rise into the mid-20s by Friday.
Amber heat health alerts remain in effect for parts of the Midlands, eastern England and southern England until 12 July, while yellow heat health alerts have also been issued for northern England over the same period.
The alerts warn that the hot weather is likely to place additional pressure on health and social care services, with an increased risk of deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with underlying health conditions.
On Wednesday, the National Fire Chiefs Council said the dry and hot weather meant there was an increased risk of wildfires, and advised people to avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, park and moorlands.
