UK records hottest day of year
The U.K. recorded its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday, with 38.1 C measured in west London. The reading was slightly above the previous annual high set on June 28, but still below the national August record of 38.5 C from 2003.
The extreme heat arrived during a prolonged dry spell that helped spark multiple fires. Britain is in its fifth heat wave of the year, and the article says 2026 has already seen a record four days with temperatures of 36 C or higher, while matching 2022 with two days reaching 38 C.
Key Events
- The U.K. recorded 38.1 C in west London on Thursday.
- The temperature became the hottest in the country so far in 2026.
- The reading was 0.1 C higher than the previous 2026 high set on June 28.
- The figure stayed below the U.K. August record of 38.5 C set in 2003.
- Dry conditions and intense heat contributed to multiple fires.
- Britain entered its fifth heat wave of the year, after one first recorded in May.
- The country logged a record four days at 36 C or higher in 2026.
- The U.K. matched 2022 with two days at 38 C.
UK firefighters battle central England blazes
Firefighters in central England were called to multiple fires as the UK recorded its hottest day of the year during an intense stretch of hot weather across Europe. The temperature reached 38.1C in west London, slightly above the previous high for the year set on June 28.
The blazes had not yet been explained and could take several days to bring under control. Britain was experiencing its fifth heat wave of 2026, after the first was recorded in May.
The heat also pushed the year’s temperature milestones higher, with 2026 reaching a record four days at 36C or above and matching 2022 with two days at 38C. Firefighters were also trying to contain a wildfire in the New Forest in southern England.
Key Events
- Firefighters tackled multiple fires in central England on Thursday, Aug. 13.
- The UK recorded its hottest day of the year, with 38.1C measured in west London.
- The fire causes had not yet been determined and the blazes could take days to extinguish.
- Britain entered its fifth heat wave of the year, with the first one recorded in May.
- The country reached a record four days at 36C or higher in 2026 and matched its 2022 total of two days at 38C.
- Firefighters were also working to contain a wildfire in the New Forest in southern England.