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.

Image source, PA Media

About 70 firefighters are tackling a grass fire in east London this lunchtime, according to London Fire Brigade. We don't yet know the full extent of the fire, but we'll keep you updated.

Meanwhile, here's a quick recap as a heatwave sweeps across the country.

Amber health alerts are in place across large parts of England - covering London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands - as several places see temperatures over 30C (86F).

Astwood Bank in Worcestershire is leading the charts so far, with a temperature of 31.5C recorded at 13:00.

The heat has led to hosepipe bans - more than six million people in several areas of England have been told not to use their hosepipes until further notice.

As the working week ends, the sun is sticking around. Amber health alerts for England are in place until Monday, and our weather team says the heatwave will persist over the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

We're keen to hear how you're coping - details on how to send us your tips and pictures are in this post.

Some developing news from east London, where about 70 firefighters are tackling a grass fire on Wanstead Flats.

The full extent of the fire isn’t yet clear, but London Fire Brigade says it’s had more than 20 calls about the blaze and has sent 10 crews - including a "wildfire response vehicle" - to the scene near Capel Road in Manor Park.

"We know it's a warm day, but if you live in the vicinity, please keep windows and doors closed due to smoke being produced by the fire," says LFB’s Darren McTernan.

LFB has also issued a fresh warning as the capital faces its latest heatwave.

"As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly," a spokesperson says. "In London, this can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties."

We’ve been hearing your suggestions on how to stay cool during the current hot spell.

Here are a few of our favourite tips so far:

Sue recommends taking a plastic bottle filled with freezing water, wrapping it in a thin tea towel, and bringing it to bed.

Lindsay suggests soaking cloth or baseball sun hats in water, wringing them out, or wearing wide-brimmed straw hats to keep your neck and face cool.

Lynda’s tip is to open your loft hatch, as heat rises up into the loft. She also suggests freezing small treats and kibble in water to make cool ice pops for dogs.

And Robin recommends closing south and west windows, drawing the curtains, keeping a constant supply of cold drinking water, and immersing both feet in a cold bucket of water.

• How do you make ice lollies for dogs? Take a look at our instructions here

Ben Rich
Lead weather presenter

It’s hot out there this lunchtime with a number of places now above 30C (86F).

Astwood Bank in Worcestershire looks to be the hot spot so far, recording a temperature of 31.5C (88.7F) at 13:00 - but other places across England and Wales including Cardiff, Hull and Yeovil - have seen the mercury climb into the thirties.

The warmest places in Scotland and Northern Ireland are hovering around 25C (77F) this lunchtime, with temperatures set to climb a little further over the next few hours.

As temperatures rise, vulnerable people may forget to stay hydrated or wear suitable clothing, the Alzheimer's Society says.

The charity has shared some tips to help keep vulnerable family members or friends safe.

These include keeping homes cool and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day - between 11:00 and 15:00.

It's also a good idea to leave plenty of water within easy reach, along with high water content foods like ice lollies and melon.

With about a million people in the UK living with dementia - and some potentially isolated - the charity suggests: "popping round to check on a neighbour, friend or family member with dementia can help keep them safe during the hot weather."

Nick Johnson
Reporting from Greenwich

I’m in Greenwich Park. It’s hot, it’s sticky - and the lack of any breeze isn’t helping.

The heat hasn’t stopped people from enjoying the sights of Greenwich, however.

One couple who live nearby tell me we’re all going to have to get used to hotter, drier summers.

Another couple visiting from Tennessee say our hot weather is a pleasant break from the humidity they get back home in the US.

The grass here, which was a deep green just a couple of months ago, is now dry, sandy and a scorched shade of yellow. It’s the sort of grass that crunches under foot.

With no significant rainfall expected over the coming days, the grass is unlikely to get any greener.

Rowan Bridge
Reporting from Harrogate

Image source, Getty Images

Even though it’s due to reach 29C (84F), some of the staff at the Great Yorkshire Show are still dressed in the formal attire of dark suits and bowler hats.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are definitely the order of the day for humans. Ice cream sellers are doing a roaring trade and the queue to refill water bottles is 20-deep.

For those on four legs, I’ve seen animals being hosed down or even given their own fans to help keep them cool.

The parched showground tells its own story of the lack of rain, and the hot weather is due to continue into the weekend.

There may be some showers at the start of next week, but that won’t be enough to end the hosepipe ban for Yorkshire Water customers.

Image source, Getty Images