The United Kingdom is set to endure another day of scorching temperatures, with highs expected to reach 35C as the current heatwave shows no sign of abating. This period of intense heat is forecast to persist at heatwave levels until the end of next week, according to BBC Weather.

This year has already seen a notable number of days reaching extreme temperatures. On Thursday, the mercury surpassed 34C for the eighth time in 2026, breaking the previous record of seven such days, which was set in both 1976 and 2020. The current, third heatwave of the year, which began earlier this week, is characterized by its striking duration and is expected to continue before cooler, more unsettled weather arrives.

While parts of the UK may find some relief over the weekend due to a north-easterly breeze bringing cooler air from the North Sea, southern and eastern regions will still experience heatwave conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health warnings across large swathes of England, remaining in effect until Sunday evening.

On Thursday, the highest temperature recorded was 35.5C in Wisley, Surrey. Wales also saw significant heat, with Cardiff reaching 31.3C. Scotland recorded 29.3C in Charterhall, and Northern Ireland's highest temperature was 27.5C in Killowen.

Looking ahead to Friday, the focus of the intense heat is expected to shift westward, with Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and parts of eastern Wales potentially seeing temperatures rise to 34C or 35C. Meanwhile, a more northerly shift in high pressure, combined with a north-easterly wind, is anticipated to bring a cooling breeze to inland areas, particularly in eastern England, offering some respite from the extreme heat.

While this heatwave is not expected to break daily temperature records, the accumulation of days exceeding 34C is unprecedented for 2026. The Met Office noted that the previous records of seven such days in 1976 and 2020 have now been surpassed. These eight days are comprised of two from the May heatwave, four from June's heatwave, and two from the current July heatwave.

Comparisons to the severe drought and heat of 1976, which saw 16 consecutive days above 30C, are being made, although this record is unlikely to be challenged by the current conditions. The all-time highest temperature recorded in the UK remains 40.3C, set in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, during the heatwave of 2022.

The UKHSA's heat health alerts underscore the potential for significant impacts on health and social care services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The alerts are a reminder of the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.