In a first-ever occurrence, September had a total of six days where temperatures surpassed 30C.
The Met Office has confirmed that Saturday holds the title for the hottest day of the year thus far, reaching an intense 32.7C in Heathrow, west London.
This September marks a historical milestone for the UK, enduring five consecutive days above 30C—a record-breaking occurrence that is likely to persist for another day before temperatures ease off in the upcoming week.
Apart from the scorching daytime heat, there will be no respite from the warmth during the night as it will only drop to 24C. Wisley in Surrey broke its own record on Thursday by recording a staggering temperature of 32.6C, marking it as the highest temperature of the year so far.
The UK Health Security Agency has raised an amber heat health alert, warning that the health service may face consequences due to weather conditions, particularly affecting individuals aged 65 and above or those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular ailments.
As an air pollution alert is issued by Mayor Sadiq Khan in London, he calls on citizens to take action against this issue. This marks the first alert since June and comes alongside high temperatures expected on Saturday. Mr. Khan emphasizes the hazardous combination of pollution and heat and urges residents to prioritize their well-being by avoiding idling their engines and refraining from burning wood or garden waste, as these activities contribute significantly to high levels of pollution in the city.
Ensuring this takes precedence is crucial, as it serves to shield those in need and pave the way for a secure and ecologically conscious London that benefits all its inhabitants.
The Met Office has predicted that London will see temperatures soar to 31C on Sunday before cooling down to 25C on Monday, bringing an end to a week filled with record-breaking heat.
The UK is facing potential thunderstorms and downpours across its territory. According to Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, despite most regions experiencing hot temperatures and clear skies on Saturday – possibly making it the hottest day so far this year – there is also a chance of thunderstorms occurring.
Consequently, central England and parts of east Wales have been issued with a Yellow Warning due to this possibility. From Saturday onwards, temperatures will gradually decline in Scotland’s far northwest as a cold front progresses southward over the weekend. This front brings along with it the risk of heavy rainfall and thundery downpours on Sunday as well. Nevertheless, southeastern areas are expected to maintain high temperatures for an extended period and might even reach 32C on Sunday.
