35.2C Sets New UK Temperature Record
UK Heatwave Breaks Temperature Records as 35.2°C Recorded in Derbyshire
The UK has set another weather record after temperatures reached 35.2°C in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday, according to the Met Office. The reading marks the highest temperature recorded during the latest heatwave and continues an extraordinary year for UK weather.
Forecasters say 2026 has become the first year on record to experience six separate days with temperatures of 35°C or above. It is also the first time temperatures have reached at least 35°C in May, June, and July within the same year.
In addition, there have now been nine days with temperatures of 34°C or higher, breaking the previous record of eight days set in 1976 and matched in 2020. The current heatwave follows earlier periods of extreme heat in May and June.
The Met Office expects Friday to be the hottest day of the current spell, although temperatures above 30°C are forecast to continue across parts of the UK through the weekend.
Dr. Amy Doherty, Science Manager at the Met Office, said the year has been exceptional for high temperatures, noting that multiple long-standing records have already been surpassed.
The prolonged hot and dry weather has also placed increasing pressure on water supplies. Anglian Water has introduced a hosepipe ban affecting around five million customers across eastern England. From Saturday, residents will no longer be allowed to use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, or filling swimming pools.
Affinity Water has also announced water restrictions due to increased demand during the hot weather, while Southern Water plans to introduce similar measures for around one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has urged the public to avoid calling emergency services for non-urgent matters after a sharp increase in 999 calls. Officials are expecting high temperatures to continue over the weekend, when England is also due to play in the FIFA World Cup.
