The United Kingdom is preparing for continued extreme heat on Friday, following a week marked by record-breaking temperatures nationwide. Provisional figures show highs of 36.7C (98F) were recorded in Merryfield, Somerset on Thursday. This day also marked the hottest of the year so far for Wales, reaching 35.9C, and for Scotland at 31.2C, and Northern Ireland at 30.8C.
A red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued and will be in force on Friday, impacting regions including London, Oxford, Sussex, and Kent.