The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring past 32°C in parts of southern England, as meteorologists warn of an approaching heatwave expected to grip much of the country in the coming days.
The Met Office confirmed that the high was recorded in Surrey, marking the peak of an early summer heat surge. Forecasters have issued yellow heat-health alerts across several regions, including London, the Midlands, and the South East, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
“This marks the first significant heat event of the season, and it’s likely to intensify,” said Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin. “Conditions could remain exceptionally warm into the weekend, with temperatures in some areas approaching 34°C.”
Public health authorities have advised extra precautions, particularly for the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Hospitals and care homes are being briefed on emergency cooling measures, while schools and workplaces are reviewing safety protocols.
The UK Health Security Agency has raised concerns over potential heat-related illnesses and reminded the public of the risks associated with unventilated indoor spaces.
With climate patterns becoming more erratic, experts suggest such extreme weather events could become more frequent. The government is monitoring the situation closely, and further alerts may be issued as the heatwave unfolds.