Temperatures of up to 32C have been forecast 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.
The Met Office told Yahoo News on Friday morning that temperatures in some parts of the UK could hit the 32.2C experienced in Kew Gardens on Thursday – a new high for 2025.
An indication of where temperatures will be hottest today, though maximum highs are likely to exceed these. The images above at of 1pm (left) and 4pm (right). (Met Office)
After sweltering temperatures in recent days, a number of areas could pass the official heatwave criteria by Friday afternoon, the Met Office has said.
On Saturday, “isolated spots” could experience highs reaching 34C, especially in the South or South East.
Follow our live coverage of the heatwave conditions below:
Live24 updates
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What is a heatwave?
The threshold for what counts as a heatwave varies depending what part of the UK you are in. (PA)
Under the official definition, a heatwave is three consecutive days that exceed a set temperature threshold.
In Scotland, Northern Ireland, western parts of Wales and northern areas of England, this is 25C, rising to 28C in London and surrounding areas.
To find out more about heatwaves, read more from the London Standard.
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Light 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
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MP 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.”
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Keep 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.
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Ladies’ 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
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When 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
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Deadly 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
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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
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Heat 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)
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The 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.
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How 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?
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4 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.