UK records hottest day of year so far as mercury hits 32.2C at Heathrow

20 July 2021, 17:43 | Updated: 20 July 2021, 18:54

Crowds of beach-goers at Lyme Regis in Dorset over the weekend
Crowds of beach-goers at Lyme Regis in Dorset over the weekend. Picture: Alamy
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

Brits have basked in the hottest day of the year so far as the temperature reached a sweltering 32.2C (89.96F) at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday.

It comes just days after the previous high for the year - 31.6C - was recorded on Sunday, also at Heathrow.

However, some parts of the country were experiencing thunderstorms at the time of the announcement, with the South East of England seeing intermittent downpours in the early evening.

The Met Office issued its first-ever 'extreme' heat warning on Monday, covering a large part of Wales, all of South West England and parts of southern and central England.

Read more: First-ever amber extreme heat warning issued as temperatures climb

Read more: Heatwave continues with 32C scorcher forecast

The warning, which will remain in force until the end of Thursday, is designed to warn the public of potential widespread disruption and adverse health effects as a result of weather conditions.

It covers a large part of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England.

The new record for 2021 comes after temperature records were set in England, Wales and Scotland over the weekend.

Wales recorded 30.2C (86.36F) in Cardiff, compared with 29.6C (85.28F) reached in Usk, Monmouthshire, on Saturday.

Read more: Mini-heatwave brings hottest day of the year

Read more: Heat health alert issued in England over weekend

"The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week,” Met Office chief operational meteorologist Steven Ramsdale said on Monday.

"Many areas will continue to reach heatwave thresholds but the amber extreme heat warning focusses on western areas where the most unusually high temperatures are likely to persist.

"There's a continuing risk of isolated thundery downpours late in the afternoons but most areas will stay dry until later in the week.

"Temperatures should begin to fall for most areas heading into the weekend, with some more unsettled conditions looking to develop."

Sunbathers flock to Weymouth Beach in Dorset as weather warms up

Temperatures could soar as high as 33C in some places by the end of the week, the Met Office said earlier on Tuesday.

The 33C mark, which is hotter than top European holiday destinations such as Marbella, Mykonos and Tenerife, could be reached between Tuesday and Thursday.

Forecasters have warned people to stay out of the sun during the afternoon, close their curtains to keep living rooms cool, stay out of direct sunlight and drink water.

Public Health England (PHE) also issued a heat-health alert, warning members of the public to take measures to stay cool and look out for vulnerable people.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman 'among ten accusing Chinese student of rape' in London left 'angry and ashamed after attack', court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay

Father jailed for at least 15 years after murdering daughter, 14, in 'kitchen play fight'

Scarlett Vickers' grandad defends father who stabbed teen to death in 'kitchen play fight'

Israeli captive Eli Sharabi was handed over on Saturday

Hamas delays the release of hostages 'until further notice' over claims Israel violated ceasefire deal

Donald Trump has said he is working on a plan to broker a deal to bring an end the war in Ukraine

Trump's Russia-Ukraine plan explained: How the US President intends to end the war

Britain's King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, center, speak to teachers and school children as they visit Nansledan School in Newquay, England, Monday, Feb.

King Charles turns tour guide as Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner embark on royal visit to Cornish housing project

a

Labour suspends second MP Oliver Ryan over 'unacceptable' WhatsApp group messages

The parents of the victims of the Southport attack have called for change

'We will never feel true happiness again': Parents of Southport victims pay tribute to daughters as they call for change

Keith Kellogg has reportedly told allies he is preparing 'end of war' options to present to Donald Trump

America's Russia-Ukraine envoy preparing 'end of war options' to present to Trump

Travel agency says people should look to go away at Easter instead to save money

End of the summer holiday? Families told to go away at Easter instead to save thousands

Labour MP Ashley Dalton

Keir Starmer names replacement for Labour MP sacked after sending offensive messages in vile WhatsApp chat

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Mystery grows over couple found dead in rural France as friends reject murder-suicide theory

Loose Women stars Andrea McLean, Denise Welch, Lisa Maxwell and Sally Lindsay

Loose Women star rushed to hospital and diagnosed with severe pneumonia and sepsis after collapsing at home