Jamie Whitehead
Live reporter

Image source, Reuters

At this stage of the day, you probably don’t need us to tell you it’s hot.

As we’ve just reported, maximum temperatures around the UK have reached 34.7C (94.5F) in England, 28.9C (84.0F) in Scotland, 32.7C (90.9F) in Wales and 28.1C (82.6F) in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the day, we’ve seen your pictures enjoying the sun, and heard your tips for keeping cool as the UK experiences its third heatwave of the summer.

But it’s not all fun and games - today we've seen artificial grass catch fire at a Derbyshire farm, and a grass fire in east London, where officials have warned of a "severe" wildfire risk. There are also wildfire warnings in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Hosepipe bans have been announced in Yorkshire, along with Kent and Sussex.

The heatwave is set to peak this weekend. If you’re heading out, check our advice for staying cool in the hot weather.

We’re bringing our coverage to a close now, but you can read more in our news story.

Thank you for joining us.

Mark Poynting
Climate reporter

Working out how many extra people die because of heat is no easy task.

It’s rarely noted on death certificates but can make pre-existing health conditions more dangerous, particularly in the most vulnerable.

Heat-related deaths are currently estimated at just over 600 per year on average for England and Wales.

But a study published on Wednesday, external warned that could rise to 34,000 by the 2070s in a worst-case scenario, fuelled by climate change and a growing, ageing population.

That scenario is one where countries continue to rampantly burn fossil fuels, but the recent growth of clean energy suggests that can be averted.

If global warming is kept closer to international targets – along with better measures to cope with high temperatures - then heat-related deaths would be limited, perhaps to 4,600 per year, scientists estimate.

There could be a decline in the number of people dying because of extreme cold too, but exactly how that balances out is uncertain.

Image source, Getty Images

We've just had the latest maximum temperatures across the UK, recorded at 18:00 BST:

• England: 34.7C (94.5F) at Astwood Bank, West Midlands
• Scotland: 28.9C (84F) at Aboyne
• Wales: 32.7C (91F) at Usk - that's the warmest day of the year so far
• Northern Ireland: 28.1C (82.6F) at Magilligan

With temperatures cooling a little as evening sets in, let's take a look back at some of our favourite pictures sent in by BBC Weather Watchers.

Image source, Peter and Leah/BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Bettys Hot Spot/BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, EmmaH/BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Jack March/BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Reuters

Wimbledon is facing some of the hottest temperatures in its 148-year history.

To keep players safe, Wimbledon has a heat rule for all singles matches when needed.

The tournament uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) scale, which combines air temperature, humidity and surface temperature.

If the WBGT reaches 30.1C (86.2F) or higher, players can take a 10-minute break during a match.

The heat rule doesn't apply to matches played under roofs.

The rule covers all singles matches, even if play has already started when the WBGT goes above 30.1C (86.2F). Only one player needs to request the break for it to be enforced.

Players can leave the court during breaks but can't receive coaching or medical treatment.

They're also given ice packs, cold towels and plenty of water during changeovers.

While the UK has been basking in a heatwave, tennis fans and players alike have been forced to adapt to the conditions at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London.

Our colleagues have been following events on a BBC Sport live page, where there have been a number of stops in play as supporters in the crowd have struggled with the heat.

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Asya Robins
Live reporter

Just like in the workplace, schools are also being affected by the latest round of hot weather.

The National Education Union (NEU) says it's hearing of schools struggling to cope, with staff and pupils feeling faint and unwell.

Some schools have taken steps, such as relaxing uniform rules and changing start and finish times to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

But the NEU says planning for heatwaves needs to happen months in advance.

A heatwave protocol, external, signed by several unions, suggests measures to protect students and staff, as well as changes to buildings to keep conditions comfortable.

These include cutting back on the use of heat-generating equipment, making sure there's access to drinking water, moving classes to cooler rooms, creating shaded areas by planting trees or bushes, and reviewing ventilation across school premises.

James Bowen, assistant general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, says if warmer summers are going to become the norm the government "urgently needs to consider how school buildings will need to adapt in response".

"Too many are simply not fit for purpose with even basic ventilation being a challenge in some cases, and many schools cannot afford air conditioning."

Peter Gillibrand
BBC Newsbeat

Temperatures might be high, but probably not quite as fiery as the diss tracks Kendrick Lamar and Drake have been swapping.

Both rap stars are in the UK at the moment – with the Super Bowl halftime show headliner on tour and his Canadian rival headlining all three days of Wireless.

BBC Newsbeat rocked outside the music festival in London, where temperatures are about 32C.

Gracie, 17, is all ready for Drake to touch down in London town but thinks it's "too hot".

"Makeup is sweating off. I'm regretting doing a full face," she says.

Her top tip? Bring a fan. Her mate Izzy is a bit worried about coping in the heat.

"People have struggled already," she says. "Don't know how it'll be in the crowd. Sweaty armpits and everything.

"They've got free drinks though."

Festival organisers are reminding people to drink water and keep cool.

As of 17:15 BST, here are the highest temperatures recorded in each UK nation:

• England: 34.4C at Astwood Bank, just south of Birmingham
• Scotland: 28.9C at Aboyne, west of Aberdeen
• Wales: 32.4C at Cardiff, the warmest day of the year so far for Wales
• Northern Ireland: 28.0C at Magilligan, near Derry

The final maximum temperatures will be later this evening.

A number of rail services are disrupted as a result of the hot weather, National Rail says.

According to its website,, external the following lines are experiencing problems:

• There will be disruption between Southampton and Bournemouth until the end of the day
• Delays are expected between Aberdeen and Dundee until 18:00 BST
• There will also be disruption between Sleaford and Skegness until the end of the day

National Rail says that hot weather can cause overhead power lines to sag and rails to buckle, there is also a danger of trackside fires.

It advises passengers to check before they travel and also carry water with them. There are water refill points at all Network Rail stations.

Image source, Getty Images

With the scorching heat, it might feel unfair to have to go to work - but it isn't illegal.

There's no law setting a maximum working temperature, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety.

But employers must follow health and safety at work law, which includes:

• Keeping the temperature at a comfortable level
• Providing clean and fresh air

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must:

• Assess the risks to workers
• Put controls in place to protect them

Heat is classed as a hazard and comes with legal obligations like any other hazard. Workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled.

Image source, PA Media

The risk of wildfires in London is currently "severe", according to the London Fire Brigade, which cites the Natural Hazards Partnership.

Earlier today, dozens of firefighters managed to bring a grass fire in east London under control. With the heatwave set to continue into the weekend, the fire service warns this is unlikely to be an isolated event.

"With very little sign of rain during this heatwave, grass will become even drier, increasing the wildfire risk further each day," it says.

The brigade says firefighters have already responded to at least four wildfires in the capital this week, and there have been "countless" call-outs to smaller fires involving grass, trees and other outdoor spaces, as well as in people's gardens.

The fire service is urging people to discard cigarettes properly and not to use disposable barbecues when out and about.

Image source, Caroline/BBC Weather Watchers

There’s definitely a temptation to cool off by taking a dip in open water.

But while rivers, lakes and waterways might look inviting, London Fire Brigade is warning about the "hidden dangers" they can contain.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jamie Jenkins says the brigade is "currently seeing around two incidents every day where someone is in difficulty in the water".

"Strong currents, underwater hazards, and cold-water shock all pose serious risks," he explains.

If you do find yourself in difficulty, it’s important to remember the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s "Float to Live" advice.

This means tilting your head back with your ears submerged, relaxing, and trying to control your breathing. You can use your hands and feet to help you stay afloat.

Barra Best
NI weather presenter

An upgraded wildfire warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as a heatwave with temperatures close to 30C (86F) takes hold in the coming days.

A yellow alert from the Natural Hazards Partnership has been upgraded to an amber warning for Saturday and Sunday, indicating a likelihood of difficult to control wildfires.

Temperatures in Northern Ireland on Friday have climbed to 28C at Eglinton, near Londonderry, with higher temperatures expected for some over the weekend.

Image source, PA Media

Malu Cursino
Live reporter

Lorna Powell, an NHS urgent care doctor and co-director of climate action group Mothers Rise Up, says people with existing health conditions are more likely to suffer during a heatwave.

That’s because the body’s key systems go into stress, diverting energy and water to keep cool and putting less focus on already frail organs.

If water supplies aren’t topped up, people are more prone to dehydration, which can make conditions like diabetes and kidney problems worse.

Kidneys need a lot of water, and dehydration can cause blood sugar to spike.

Cardiovascular issues are another concern, as high temperatures mean your heart beats faster, your blood vessels are more dilated and your body is working hard to keep cool. "Sooner or later that weak heart is going to be overburdened," she says.

Hospitals see a surge in patient admissions during heatwaves, as with any extreme weather event, Powell notes.

Image source, Ben Montgomery/Getty Images

But it's not possible to discuss extreme heat without looking at why our planet is warming, Powell says.

She notes that heatwaves and other extreme weather events are happening more frequent "because we're still burning too many fossil fuels, which releases pollution into the atmosphere and traps the heat around the Earth".

A recent study by Imperial College London and the London School of Tropical Medicine found that climate change tripled heat-related deaths, external during the early summer European heatwave, with an estimated excess death toll of about 1,500 people in 12 European cities.

Image source, Getty Images

If you remember the summer of 1976, you might recall scorching temperatures similar to what the UK is facing today.

That year, temperatures peaked at 35.9C (96.6F), after a heatwave that began in June and lasted for two months.

There were also two six-day periods when the temperature reached 32.2C (90F) each day - the first time this had been recorded in the UK.

As a result, a drought saw the driest summer since 1772, leading to the government appointing a minister for drought, and hosepipe bans strictly enforced through patrols touring the streets.

The hot weather lasted until late summer, when thunderstorms brought rain - and flooding - to many parts of the country.

September and October were extremely wet months, bringing an end to the drought.

Summer 1976 still holds the record for the longest-lasting heatwave in the UK - 16 consecutive days. But 1995 is now seen as the driest summer ever in the UK, and June 2025 has been hotter when looking at average temperatures.

Image source, Getty Images

Oliver Wright
BBC News, Yorkshire

The boss of Yorkshire Water says a hosepipe ban which came into place earlier is expected to last until winter.

More than five million householders in the region have been barred from using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool.

It comes after months of extremely hot and dry weather caused reservoir levels in Yorkshire to drop to just over 50%.

Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, tells BBC 5 Live: "I expect [the ban] to last until the winter as that is when the reservoirs will have recharged."

Isaac Ashe
BBC News, East Midlands

Image source, Amy Wheelton

A fire has broken out at a farm in Derbyshire after artificial grass caught alight during soaring temperatures.

Four fire crews from Derbyshire and Staffordshire were dispatched to the scene in Bridle Lane in Stanton, near Swadlincote, at about 12:45 on Friday.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service says the smoke plume from the blaze has led to a high volume of calls and asks people to keep windows and doors closed in the area.

The service adds: "Please avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident."

County councillor Amy Wheelton says that she has made contact with the farm and that all people and animals are safe.

Read more on the fire in our news story.

London Fire Brigade says the grass fire on Wanstead Flats in Manor Park was brought under control at 15:13 - crews were first called at 12:49.

About 14 acres of grassland were alight, but there are no reports of any injuries, LFB notes.

Station commander Darren McTernan adds: "Capel Road, Aldersbrook Road and Forest Road are currently closed and we advise people to avoid the area where possible, as we are likely to be on scene for a number of hours this afternoon."

Mark Poynting
Climate reporter

It can be easy to forget just how quickly the UK’s climate is changing.

Days exceeding 30C (86F) - known as “very hot” days by the Met Office - might feel normal, but they used to be much rarer.

During the last decade, the number of these “very hot” days more than trebled compared with the 1961-1990 average, according to the Met Office.

It’s well established that human-caused climate change is making hot weather more likely and more intense.

As humans burn coal, oil and gas and cut down forests, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.

These gases act like a blanket, causing the planet to heat up.

And even a small increase in Earth’s average temperatures has a disproportionately big impact on heat extremes.