UK Experiences Hottest Day of 2023

The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year with 31.9C at St James's Park in central London on Friday. This surpasses the previous high of 30.5C recorded at Wisley in Surrey on 26 June. Cooler weather and typical July temperatures are expected this weekend, and heat health alerts are in place.

The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 31.9C at St James's Park in central London on Friday.

Previously, the highest temperature recorded this year was 30.5C at Wisley in Surrey on 26 June.

The heatwave has resulted in temperatures ranging from 25 to 31C across the country.

However, cooler weather is expected to spread eastward over the weekend, bringing temperatures down to typical July levels by Sunday.

Heat health alerts have been issued across the Midlands, eastern, and southern England to warn about potential impacts on the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

The hot spell is unlikely to meet the Met Office's definition of a heatwave, which requires three consecutive days above 27C in certain regions.

Cooler air and thundery showers are expected to decrease temperatures starting Saturday, although eastern England may experience another day of heat with highs of 26C.

Historically, temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C during summer is not unusual in the UK and has become more frequent due to climate change.