UK heatwave continues for sixth consecutive day
The UK heatwave persists with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius for the sixth day in a row, prompting health warnings and increased demand on services.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The UK heatwave has entered its second week, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for multiple consecutive days across large parts of the country. Reports from different forecasters vary on the exact count, with some stating six days in a row, others nine, and some saying 11. The Met Office has confirmed that large parts of England have received no rainfall at all in July so far, and a high temperature warning has been issued for most of Ireland.
Temperatures have been particularly high in central and southern England. Derbyshire recorded a peak of 35 degrees Celsius, while Plymouth saw close to 32 degrees. The heat has also triggered thunderstorms in northern areas, with heavy thundery downpours moving across northeast Scotland overnight. Low cloud and mist have rolled in from the North Sea, bringing some relief to eastern coasts but also creating muggy conditions.
Health warnings remain in place. A yellow heat health alert is active until Friday night, and ambulance services in the South West have reported being very busy. Schools and care homes have had to adapt. One school in Glastonbury used a neighbouring church with ancient walls that stayed below 27 degrees even on the hottest days, allowing it to remain open. A care home in the same town reported kitchen temperatures reaching 40 degrees and staff struggling to keep residents hydrated.
The outlook suggests little immediate change. High pressure is dominating the weather pattern, keeping conditions dry and sunny. Temperatures are expected to remain in the high 20s to low 30s for the next few days, with a possible slight drop by Saturday when a northerly wind may bring cooler air. However, forecasters say there is still no significant rain in sight, and the heatwave is likely to persist into the middle of the week.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 | BBC NEWS | BBC One | ITV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The heatwave has lasted between 6 and 11 days depending on location. | · | |||
| Temperatures reached 31-35 degrees Celsius in various parts of the UK. | · | · | ||
| A care home kitchen reached 40 degrees Celsius and an office reached 38 degrees Celsius. | · | · | · | |
| A high-temperature warning is in place for most of Ireland. | · | · | · | |
| A yellow heat health alert is in place until Friday night. | · | · | · | |
| High pressure is driving the weather with little change expected. | · | · | · | |
| Large parts of England have received no rainfall in July. | · | · | · | |
| Plymouth recorded nearly 32 degrees Celsius, likely its fourth or fifth hottest day on record. | · | · | · | |
| Temperature at Cotten in the Elms in Derbyshire exceeded 35 degrees Celsius. | · | · | · | |
| Temperatures were forecast to peak at 31 degrees Celsius in the southeast. | · | · | · | |
| The heatwave is forecast to continue into the middle of next week. | · | · | · | |
| The South Western Ambulance Service was very busy due to the heat. | · | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This channel provided a detailed local weather forecast, focusing on specific temperature records (e.g., 35°C in Derbyshire, 32°C in Plymouth) and the progression of the heatwave. It gave both a short-term count (six days) and later a longer-term update (11 days), with a neutral, factual tone. The coverage also included thunderstorm warnings and a day-by-day outlook.
- “We are counting the number of days when we get above 30 degrees. We've now seen six in a row.”
- “It's just more of the same as we head through the next couple of days or so as well.”
This channel took a national, big-picture approach, describing the weather as 'stuck in repeat mode' and emphasising the lack of significant change. It focused on the role of high pressure and gave a general forecast for the coming days, with temperatures peaking at 31°C in the southeast. The tone was concise and matter-of-fact, with no mention of specific local impacts or health warnings.
- “the weather story across the UK is stuck in repeat mode.”
This channel gave a brief, headline-style update, highlighting the record-breaking nature of the heatwave (nine consecutive days above 30°C) and the lack of rainfall in parts of England. It also noted a high-temperature warning for Ireland. The tone was straightforward and newsy, with no in-depth local reporting.
- “Temperatures have exceeded 30 Celsius for nine days in a row, according to the Met Office.”
This channel focused on the human impact of the heatwave, with on-the-ground reporting from Glastonbury. It highlighted how a school and a care home were coping, including specific measures like using a church for cooling and pushing fluids. The tone was empathetic and local, with quotes from staff and pupils. It also mentioned the yellow heat health alert and ambulance service pressure.
- “We're on day 11 now and it's also the end of term so we're crawling in the heat to the finish”
- “It's been a challenge but it's a challenge that we are facing every year now.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.