Britain sees hottest day of the year as temperatures hit 30C

25 June 2024 , 16:59

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Temperatures today reached 30C (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)

A new hottest day of the year has been confirmed as the mercury rocketed to 30C during the current June heatwave.

The Met Office confirmed the new record high for 2024, with the temperatures recorded in Chertsey, Surrey. Today's conditions are the hottest since September 10 last year. Heathrow had recorded 29.7C earlier today before thermometers finally reached the milestone.

The Met Office said on X, formerly Twitter: "Chertsey in Surrey has now reached 30.0C, making it the hottest UK day since the 10th September 2023. It has been a hot day for some, with temperatures reaching the high twenties across parts of England and Wales"

Tomorrow could be warmer still, with 31C a possibility in the south east. However, after that it is expected to dip a little come the end of the week. Mark Sidaway, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Although we are expecting to see some very warm temperatures this week, it may not be the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies people are expecting as there is likely to be some cloud around in places.

Chertsey in Surrey set the first 30C of 2024

“Some areas, mainly central and eastern England, will see temperatures which exceed the heatwave criteria. To be officially recognised as a ‘heatwave’ though, the temperature must be reached for three consecutive days. Although we are looking to enjoy some nice warm temperatures, the weather this week does not look particularly exceptional or extreme.”

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The previous hottest day was set on Monday with 28.3C reported in Wisley, Surrey. London had a peak of 27.4C at St James’s Park, while temperatures increased to 26.9C in Aberdeenshire and 25C in Northern Ireland. Thursday is expected to feel "fresher" as a cold front will bring a band of cloud and showery rain running east to southeast across the country. It will still feel very warm ahead of this, with the southeast bearing the brunt of the warmth and sunshine.

Glastonbury-bound revellers can expect 27C conditions on Wednesday which will fall to 20 the next day, followed by 19C on Friday. Saturday could even have a little rain before the mercury hits 20 on Sunday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) earlier issued yellow heat health alerts for most of England, with concerns for the most vulnerable. However, the heat is only expected to last until Wednesday with heavy showers, thunderstorms and persistent rain possibly returning in the west as the week goes on.

Antony Clements-Thrower