UK records hottest day of year as London reaches 38.1°C

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, when a weather station in west London recorded a temperature of 38.1 °C (100.6 °F). The Met Office confirmed the reading as the highest temperature recorded in the country for the calendar year, surpassing previous summer peaks and prompting heat‑related alerts across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Meteorologists attributed the extreme heat to a high‑pressure system that has drawn warm air from the continent, a pattern that has driven a series of heatwaves across Europe in recent weeks. The Met Office warned that temperatures could remain elevated for several days, increasing the risk of heat‑related health issues and putting strain on energy supplies. Authorities urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the nation monitors the evolving weather situation.