Temperatures of up to 33C have been forecast expected on Friday amid warnings the UK could break its record for the hottest day of the year for the second day in a row.
An amber heat-health alert for all regions is in force until Monday – the first of its kind since September 2023.
It warns “significant impacts are likely” across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions.
After sweltering temperatures in recent days, a number of areas are expected to have passed the official heatwave criteria by Friday afternoon, the Met Office has said.
Temperatures reached as high as 32.2C in Kew, west London, on Thursday and are expected to hit the low 30s again today.
Follow our live coverage of the heatwave conditions below:
Live21 updates
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 2:17 am GMT-7Light showers for some areas as temperature heats up
The Met Office said a few areas would see some light showers today as the temperature heats up elsewhere…
Many of us will wake to a warm and humid start on Friday, with temperatures soon rising beneath sunny skies across the country ☀️
Cloudier towards the west, with a few light showers spreading across Wales and South West England through the morning 🌦️ pic.twitter.com/nUfLOM4h44
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 19, 2025
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 2:05 am GMT-7NHS urges Britons to stay hydrated during hot weather
With hot weather across the country this week, make sure you keep hydrated.
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in, children and older adults are more at risk.
If it’s not treated, it can become a serious problem.
More info ➡️ https://t.co/Gf4sQP85lD pic.twitter.com/kNBwEhpf6G— NHS (@NHSuk) June 19, 2025
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated should be among Britons’ top health priorities during the current spell of hot weather, the NHS has said.
Sitting in the sunshine and drinking alcohol can significantly raise your chances of becoming dehydrated.
You can find out more about staying hydrated in the heat from Yahoo Lifestyle.
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:52 am GMT-7MP calls for water safety lessons in schools
The hot weather has prompted questions over water safety in Parliament. (PA)
A Labour MP has called for water safety to be taught in British schools after figures revealed 150 children had died after drowning in the UK in the last three years.
As families prepare to flock to the UK’s waters during this weekend’s warm weather, the MP for Southampton Itchen said current guidance – which says all children are expected to be able to swim 25 metres unaided by the time they leave primary school – does not go far enough, with a quarter of youngsters failing to meet the standard.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “On sunny days like we’re enjoying at the moment, many will rightly want to go and enjoy rivers and beaches, but we have to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make sure that they can do that safely.”
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:41 am GMT-7Met Office predicts ‘peak heatwave’ and thunderstorms for weekend
According to the national forecaster, Saturday will see temperatures peak in central and eastern areas of England, possibly rising as high as 34C in some parts.
But by Saturday evening large swathes of Britain will be at the “greatest risk of very large thunderstorms, frequent lightning, large hail, heavy rain and gusty winds”.
However, the Met Office also said it was “too early to say when and where” could be affected.
Are you making plans for the weekend and wondering what the weather has in store?
Find out all the details in our Weekend Weather forecast with Aidan 👇 pic.twitter.com/GYLMPt7QZO
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 19, 2025
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:32 am GMT-7MP raises plight of greyhounds in summer heat
An MP has branded greyhound racing in the sorts of temperatures experienced by the UK “cruel”.
Much of England is expected to swelter in conditions approaching 30C today and possibly higher tomorrow – but according to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain racing only has to be halted above 33C.
Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, posted on social media about the guidance.
The RSPCA and other charities are warning against exercising dogs in hot weather and meanwhile greyhounds are expected to race in 33°C. So cruel. https://t.co/6OjNJGFr3z
— Liz Jarvis (@LizJarvisUK) June 19, 2025
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:21 am GMT-7Keep your dog safe in the heat
Dogs can be particularly vulnerable to hot weather. (Alamy)
While the high temperatures can be uncomfortable for people, they can be even more dangerous for their pets.
The RSPCA advises walking dogs in the early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler.
It’s also important to ensure they are kept hydrated and have access to cool spaces so they don’t overheat.
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:12 am GMT-7Ladies’ Day brings glamour to sunny Ascot
Feathers, fascinators, and flamboyant fashion took centre stage as thousands of women dressed to impress for Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot.
Towering headgear inspired by Jane Austen, recycled creations and even fluttering butterflies were some of the designs worn by racing fans.
Check out the best pictures from the Evening Standard of racegoers sweltering in heatwave conditions on Thursday
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 1:05 am GMT-7Researchers call for urgent exploration of methods to cool Earth
It is already obvious that some governments are not acting fast enough to keep the planet’s temperature from rising dangerously.
While it is essential to continue to concentrate on reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions as quickly as possible, other methods of cooling the planet need to be urgently explored, according to academics at the University of Cambridge’s engineering department.
Read the full article from the Guardian here
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:54 am GMT-7When is it too hot for a child to be at school?
School leaders are expected to use their own judgement to manage high temperatures. (Getty)
With the UK facing the prospect of another day of temperatures in the 30s, it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe from the heat.
Children especially can be uncomfortable in hot weather, with many schools combining restrictive school uniforms with poorly cooled environments.
But are there rules on when it’s too hot for schools to open? And do schools have to take to keep children safe in the heat?
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle UK
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:47 am GMT-7Could temperatures actually be lower today?
Predictions of a second hottest day of the year in a row could fall just shy of the line, it has been reported.
Overnight, forecasters at the Met Office said that today could see temperatures peak at 33C – almost a full degree hotter than yesterday’s high of 32.2C recorded in Kew, West London.
However, the BBC is reporting conditions will reach 32C in central England, before rebounding on Saturday to climb as high as 34C
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:40 am GMT-7Deadly weekend heat in England now ‘100 times more likely’
Temperatures are expected to break the 30C barrier in several parts of England today. (Alamy)
The UK’s current surge in temperatures has been made 100 times more likely by the climate crisis, scientists have calculated.
According to experts, the peak heat forecast on Saturday would have been expected only once every 2,500 years without the climate crisis.
June heatwaves are also now thought to be about 2-4C hotter than in the past.
Read the full story from the Guardian
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:32 am GMT-7
Edgbaston reservoir in Birmingham was partially dried out during the 1976 heatwave. (Getty Images)
Temperatures are soaring across the UK, but how does it compare to the famous long hot summer of 1976?
Whenever there is a spell of hot weather, there is one year that always get mentioned, with those of a certain generation claiming, “This is nothing compared to the heat in 1976!”
Forty-nine years ago, hot air from the Mediterranean unleashed 10 weeks of blistering heat across the UK, sparking a summer heatwave that has since passed into legend, bringing the worst drought for 250 years.
Read our nostalgia-laced look-back at the 1976 heatwave here
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:23 am GMT-7How hot was it yesterday?
Felt the heat yesterday? The Met Office has pulled the numbers to show how hot it got on Thursday.
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:16 am GMT-7Heat set to reach the rest of the UK
After yesterday’s high temperatures were largely confined to England, today is set to see the heat spread to the rest of Britain.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will see highs of up to 27C, rising to 28C in Wales.
Scotland is set to share in today’s heat, with parts of the Borders and Highlands seeing temperatures of up to 27C. (Met Office)
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:08 am GMT-7The best sunscreen of 2025 – and the two to avoid
Regularly applying sun cream is vital in hot weather. (Getty)
With hot weather sweeping the UK and an amber heatwave warning in place, sunscreen is something we should all be wearing on the parts of our bodies exposed to the sun. But how can you be sure your go-to bottle is doing what it promises?
To help shoppers find suncreams they can trust, consumer group Which? tested a range of high street and premium options using official British and international standards.
- Fri 20 June 2025 at 12:00 am GMT-7How much water should I drink in hot weather?
water from jug pouring into glass on wooden table outdoors
Many of us do not drink enough water.
Staying hydrated is essential for your body to function properly, especially in a heatwave, as the rising temperatures mean we’re more likely to feel groggy.
Water can help to clear out toxins, clear up skin and boost energy levels, according to studies. But how much we actually be drinking, especially on days like today?
- Thu 19 June 2025 at 11:51 pm GMT-74 common mistakes you’re making with your car in a heatwave
Make sure you’re taking the proper precautions when driving in the heat. (PA)
With temperatures set to soar this weekend, many Brits will already be thinking about their weekend getaways and how they’ll cope in the sweltering weather.
Whether it’s visiting family and friends, or heading to the beach, temperatures of up to 33C are expected to see families hitting the road – bringing a host of other factors for drivers to consider before they get behind the wheel.
Read more from Yahoo News on some of the top mistakes motorists could make.
- Thu 19 June 2025 at 11:45 pm GMT-7Rail disruption possible
Network rail has urged passengers to follow live updates on their rail journeys in case the hot weather affects timetables.
Dry ground, buckled rails and overheated power lines are among the issues which can cause problems for travellers when the temperature s
- Thu 19 June 2025 at 11:40 pm GMT-7Number of wildfires up 700% on last year
A warning has been issued after new figures revealed firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales in 2025.
As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year – a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.
The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents.
- Thu 19 June 2025 at 11:35 pm GMT-7Heat health alerts to remain in force
Am amber health alert is in force across England. (UKSA)
Soaring temperatures prompted health authorities to issue formal warnings about the potential dangers of the current heatwave.
The amber warning for all regions of England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will remain in force until at least 9am on Monday.
It is the first time such an alert has been used since September 2023