The Met Office confirmed that the UK had reached its hottest temperature so far this year, with a temperature of 31.9C recorded in St James’s Park in central London.
The high temperatures were recorded mainly in the eastern half of the country, but came at a time when most schools in England and Wales were in the summer holidays.
The highest UK temperature recorded so far in 2024 was 30.5°C (86.5°F), recorded in Wisley, Surrey, on 26 June.
Temperatures across the UK were widely expected to reach between 25C and 31C on Friday, when the heatwaves reached their peak. However, many places have not reached 25C since a brief warm spell at the end of June.
Cooler weather is expected to spread eastward over the weekend, with July-like temperatures expected by Sunday.
July temperatures were cooler at the start of the month but then dropped to about 2°C below average.
The Meteorological Agency has urged people to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. [sun protection factor sunscreen] During the hottest hours, between 11am and 3pm, find shade whenever possible.
“UV levels can be very high in the south so remember to protect yourself from the strong sun, especially between 11am and 3pm,” X said.
A heat health warning has been issued for all of central, eastern and southern England until 11am on Saturday.
The alerts are aimed primarily at health and social care services, warning that heat can affect older people and those with underlying health conditions.
