The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Monday, with temperatures reaching 34.8°C (95°F) in Cambridge, according to the Met Office.

The heatwave primarily affected central and southern England, where yellow heat health alerts were issued for millions of residents.

The hottest temperatures were recorded in London, East Anglia, and the Home Counties. By midday, the capital had already surpassed 30°C, with several locations hitting over 32°C by early afternoon. Cambridge recorded the peak temperature of 34.8°C, while areas like Writtle in Essex and Wisley in Surrey saw temperatures reach 33°C. Other regions, including East Malling in Kent and Holbeach in Lincolnshire, also experienced highs of around 32°C.

Yellow heat health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), were in effect across the East and West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, North West, and London. These alerts, which primarily target vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are set to expire by Wednesday morning.

Monday’s heatwave marked the peak of this temperature spike, with forecasters predicting a gradual cooling trend as the week progresses. The Met Office noted that temperatures of 34.8°C have only been recorded 11 times since 1961, with six of those instances occurring in the last decade, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change.

While southern England baked in the heat, parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England experienced a much wetter day, with torrential rain and thunderstorms. A yellow thunderstorm warning had been in place for these areas, though it expired later in the day. More than 15,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the UK in the past 24 hours, primarily in Northern Ireland and northern Scotland.

In addition to weather warnings, the Met Office and other agencies issued practical advice for coping with the heat. The Met Office recommended keeping curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and staying hydrated. The RAC advised drivers to check their vehicle’s coolant and oil levels to prevent breakdowns, while National Rail urged passengers to check travel plans in advance due to potential weather disruptions.

Tragically, it was also confirmed that a child had died after being pulled from a canal in Wolverhampton on Sunday. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

As the UK continues to face more frequent extreme weather events, the Met Office and experts emphasize the importance of staying informed and prepared for both heatwaves and storms. Photo by Alisdare Hickson from Woolwich, United Kingdom, Wikimedia commons.