London: The UK is bracing for another sharp rise in temperatures as a fresh spell of extreme heat moves across the country, with more weather records being broken and forecasters warning that temperatures could reach 38C in parts of England.
The Met Office has issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for Thursday, covering parts of the Midlands and south-east England. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-to-high 30s, with a possible peak of 38C.
The latest heat spike comes after a summer that has already produced a series of remarkable weather records. July 2026 was provisionally the driest July ever recorded in both England and Wales. Southern England also experienced its driest month on record, while England and Wales recorded their sunniest July since records began.
The prolonged dry and hot conditions have increased pressure on communities across the country. Farmers have faced difficult conditions for crops and livestock, while firefighters have dealt with a higher risk of wildfires. Health services have also been preparing for increased demand as high temperatures can pose serious risks, particularly for older people and those with existing health problems.
The latest heatwave is expected to affect the Midlands and southern parts of England most strongly. Temperatures will be lower in many northern and western areas, although warm conditions are expected to remain widespread.
The government has also been taking the situation seriously. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee to discuss the country's response to the extreme heat. Downing Street has acknowledged the challenges being faced by firefighters, farmers and NHS staff as the hot weather continues.
Forecasters say the heat will not necessarily remain at peak levels everywhere for an extended period, but further hot spells are possible. The Met Office's longer-range outlook has suggested that temperatures could remain above average through mid-to-late August, particularly in southern areas, with additional spells of hot weather and possible heatwaves.
The UK's unusual summer has also renewed concerns about the impact of climate change. Scientists have pointed to the combination of exceptional warmth, record sunshine and extreme dryness as evidence of increasingly unusual weather patterns.
With another temperature surge approaching, authorities are urging people to take precautions, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the hottest part of the day.
The coming days will show whether the latest heatwave produces even more records in a summer that has already rewritten several parts of the UK's weather history.
