More weather records as UK heat set to spike again
The UK has broken its record for the number of days reaching 30C in a single year, with 35 days recorded so far. Forecasters expect further extreme heat this week, prompting the Met Office to issue rare amber heat warnings.
Why it matters
Frequent extreme heatwaves pose significant public health risks and strain national infrastructure and healthcare systems.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Helen Willetts Lead Weather Presenter Published 12 August 2026 The record for the number of days reaching 30C in any year has been broken, according to the Met Office.
After several locations exceeded 30C on Sunday, it has now confirmed that there have been a total of 35 days where the maximum daily temperature has exceeded this threshold - beating the 34 days set in 1995.
This tally is widely expected to be topped again on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures peaking in the mid-to-high 30s across the Midlands and south-east of England.
A rare amber extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office , external for Thursday.
Image caption, The Met Office's amber heat warning covers a large swathe of England
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