UK heatwave intensifies as temperatures break 32C mark
The UK Health Security Agency has warned of increased pressure on the health system and risks to vulnerable people, with more regions expected to enter a heatwave by the weekend.
Temperatures soared past 32 degrees Celsius on Thursday, making it the hottest day of the year in the UK so far, as parts of the country officially entered a heatwave. Kew and Heathrow in London recorded a high of 32.2C, beating the previous 2025 record of 29.4C set in Suffolk just a week ago.
Suffolk became the first area to meet the official heatwave criteria after temperatures there exceeded 27C for three straight days, with the village of Santon Downham recording consistently high readings.
In other regions like Lincolnshire and London, conditions are on track for a heatwave declaration, with the required temperature thresholds met for two consecutive days.
An amber heat health alert remains in effect across all of England until Monday morning.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of mounting pressure on the health and care systems, including increased risks to elderly people and those with health conditions.
“Amber means the whole health service is likely to be affected,” the agency said, citing concerns such as managing medication and unsafe indoor temperatures in care facilities.
Peak temperatures are expected on Saturday, especially across central and eastern England, where the mercury could climb to between 30C and 33C. The Met Office has hinted that some areas could even touch 34C.
Most areas in East Wales, the Midlands, and South East England will remain between 27C and 30C, while cooler conditions are expected along the coast and in northern parts of the UK.
At Royal Ascot in Berkshire, dozens of spectators were treated for heat-related illnesses as conditions intensified. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland reached the mid-20s on Thursday but are forecast to cool over the weekend.
The current heat is being driven by a high-pressure system drawing warm air from parts of Western Europe into the UK. While Friday will see continued heat across the country, cooler temperatures and isolated showers are expected in northern and western regions by Saturday.
The Met Office and UKHSA use a four-tiered heat alert system — green, yellow, amber, and red — to highlight public health risks. The current amber level indicates a heightened danger, especially for people aged 65 and above and those with long-term illnesses.
