UK Sees First Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Past 32°C
UK Swelters in Hottest Day of 2025 as Heatwave Grips Parts of the Country
The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures soaring to 32.2°C in Kew and Heathrow, London, surpassing the previous 2025 high of 29.4°C recorded in Suffolk on June 13.
Suffolk officially became the first UK region to enter a heatwave after registering temperatures above 27°C for three consecutive days.
Amber heat-health alerts have been issued across all of England until 09:00 BST on Monday, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning of mounting pressure on health and social care services.
Conditions are expected to intensify further, with parts of central and eastern England potentially reaching 33°C on Saturday.
The Met Office also warned of “tropical nights,” where nighttime temperatures stay above 20°C — posing additional health risks, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable. In Wales, Thursday marked the year’s hottest day so far with 30.2°C recorded in Trawsgoed and Cardiff.
Northern Ireland and Scotland also posted new local records, with 25.7°C in Castlederg and 24.4°C in Bishopton, respectively.
To declare a heatwave, the Met Office requires regional threshold temperatures — ranging from 25°C to 28°C — to be met for at least three days.
Suffolk surpassed its 27°C threshold again on Thursday, with Santon Downham hitting 29.3°C. London, where the threshold is 28°C, could join the list on Friday.
Health impacts are already being felt. At Royal Ascot in Berkshire, multiple racegoers required medical attention due to heat-related illnesses.
The amber alert level signifies likely disruption across healthcare systems, from medicine storage issues to overheating in care facilities and an expected rise in heat-related fatalities.
The ongoing high temperatures are caused by a stationary high-pressure system drawing in hot air from mainland Europe.
On Friday, most parts of the UK will see temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s, with South East England again expected to exceed 30°C.
While cooler conditions and possible thunderstorms are forecast for the north and west on Saturday, central and eastern England will face the peak of the heatwave, possibly hitting 34°C.
Safety warnings have also been issued. The London Fire Brigade cautioned against swimming in open waters due to risks of strong currents and cold water shock.
They urged the public to learn about nearby lifesaving equipment, such as throwlines.
Health organisations like the British Heart Foundation and Age UK have also issued advisories.
Those with heart conditions are advised to avoid heat exposure, while residents are encouraged to check in on elderly family and neighbors.
Relief is expected on Sunday, when a shift to westerly winds will bring cooler temperatures, though eastern areas will still experience highs in the upper 20s.
The Met Office emphasized that the increased frequency of heatwaves is linked to climate change.
It noted that such events are now 30 times more likely than in pre-industrial times and could occur nearly every other year by the 2050s as global greenhouse gas emissions rise.
UK Sees First Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Past 32°C