On Friday, the UK experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with a high temperature of 31.9°C recorded at St James’s Park in central London. This surpassed the previous high of 30.5°C set in Wisley, Surrey, on June 26. The intense heat led to a busy scene in popular tourist spots as people sought ways to enjoy the weather.
In Cambridge, tourists took to punting tours, using umbrellas for sun protection, while London’s Granary Square was bustling with activity. On the south coast of Kent, people took advantage of the heat by engaging in water sports to cool off. Despite the day’s high temperatures, the hot weather is expected to be short-lived.
Looking ahead, the weather is predicted to change, with a decrease in temperatures over the weekend. Saturday is expected to see highs of 28 to 29°C, with the warmest areas being in the east and southeast of England. However, a shift in weather patterns is anticipated, bringing cooler conditions.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan noted that Saturday will bring a mix of weather, including heavy rain in the west and potential thunderstorms in the southeast. Sunday is expected to be drier and more comfortable for outdoor activities, with the rain moving eastward and leading to fresher conditions.
Next week, temperatures are forecasted to drop to the low to mid-twenties, signaling a return to cooler weather after the recent heatwave.