The United Kingdom has set a new record for the most days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in a calendar year. As of Thursday, there have been eight such days in 2026, surpassing the previous record of seven days.
The current heatwave has played a significant role in this record-breaking year. While it is not expected to shatter daily temperature records, the prolonged period of high temperatures has contributed to the elevated number of days exceeding the 34C threshold.
Previous records for high-temperature days in a calendar year include 1976 and 2020, both of which had seven days reaching or exceeding 34C. The year 2026 has seen two such days during a May heatwave, four in June, and two so far in the current July heatwave.
Notable Heat Events
During the heatwave in June, temperatures reached a high of 37.7C (99.86F) in Lingwood, Norfolk, breaking the previous June record of 35.6C (96.08F). Wales also recorded its hottest June day, with 35.9C (96.62F) in Cardiff. Northern Ireland matched its June record with a high of 30.8C (87.44F) in Castlederg, County Tyrone. Scotland narrowly missed its all-time June record of 32.2C (90F) set in 1893, reaching 31.2C (88.16F) in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway.
In the current July heatwave, the highest temperature recorded as of Thursday was 35.5C (95.9F) in Wisley, Surrey.
Outlook and Historical Comparisons
While temperatures are expected to decrease slightly over the weekend, many areas are still anticipated to reach official heatwave thresholds next week. The current situation is drawing comparisons to the notable heatwave of 1976, which saw 16 consecutive days above 30C (86F). However, this record is not expected to be broken by the current weather patterns.
The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was 40.3C (104.54F) in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, during an unprecedented heatwave in 2022.