Archive · 13 Aug 2026
UK Issues Amber Heat Warning as Temperatures Set to Hit 38C
The UK is having a very hot day.
Weather experts say temperatures could reach 38 degrees, which is really warm.
A special warning called an amber heat warning has been issued for London and many other parts of England.
Very hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older people and people who are already sick.
It can also cause power cuts and delays to trains and planes.
This is the fifth big heatwave this year.
Experts say this could be the hottest summer ever recorded in the UK, and it would be the second year in a row to break that record.
They also say July was the driest ever for England and Wales.
Some scientists say climate change is making hot weather stronger and more frequent.
The good news is that temperatures should start to cool down by the weekend.
An amber extreme heat warning covers London, eastern England, the south-east, Midlands and parts of Yorkshire and the Humber from 9am until midnight Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to reach 38C in some areas, including London, with mid-30s across much of the warning area.
2026 could become the first year on record to have four separate days at or above 36C if Thursday's forecast is met.
The UK is on course for its warmest summer on record for a second year running, with a fifth widespread heatwave of the year underway.
England and Wales recorded their driest July on record, and the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts until 9pm Friday.
- Who
- People across England, especially those aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions, who face the highest health risks.
- What
- A rare amber extreme heat warning with temperatures expected to reach 38C, alongside UK Health Security Agency amber heat-health alerts.
- When
- Thursday, August 13 (warning valid 9am to midnight), with health alerts continuing until 9pm Friday, August 14.
- Where
- England: London, eastern England, the south-east, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire and the Humber.
- Why
- The UK is experiencing its fifth widespread heatwave of the year, with scientists saying climate change is making heatwaves and droughts more intense.
- Warning
- Amber extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office
- Expected peak temperature
- 38C in some areas, including London
- Warning period
- 9am until midnight on Thursday (August 13)
- Heat-health alert
- Amber alerts from UK Health Security Agency until 9pm Friday (August 14)
- Heatwave count
- Fifth widespread heatwave of the year
- Highest UK temperature in 2026
- 38C at Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26
- UK August temperature record
- 38.5C, set in 2003
- Drought record
- Driest July on record for England and Wales