A rare amber “extreme heat” warning is in effect in London as the capital sees its hottest day of the year.
The alert, which warns of a risk to life, has been issued by the Met Office from 9am to midnight.
Temperatures hit 38.1C in Kew Gardens in London on Thursday - the hottest temperature recorded in the UK this year.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
“Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat.
“And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
He added: “It could be the hottest day of the year so far if we get above 38C, and if we get above 38.5C, well it could be the hottest August day on record, but that’s actually pretty unlikely.”
Meanwhile, Chiltern Railways and East Midlands Railway have issued alerts to “only travel if essential”.
Other operators will either run a reduced timetable or are warning about the potential for short-notice cancellations.
Follow the latest updates below....
Key points
- 'Do not travel unless essential' says rail operators, as services disrupted due to extreme heat
Temperatures to remain high overnight
19:16 , Alastair Lockhart
Temperatures will remain high overnight after a record-breaking day saw the mercury reach 38.1C in London.
Londoners are set for a stifling night as temperatures will not fall below 22C.
The night will be at its coldest in the capital at this temperature at around 5am.
Friday is forecast to see a high of 33C in the late afternoon.
Road closed amid fires
18:55 , Alastair Lockhart
The M6 northbound near Birmingham has been closed between junction 5 and 6 as a result of smoke from nearby wildfires, with delays of up to two hours.
“Thick smoke is blowing across the carriageway; closures have been implemented for safety reasons,” National Highways West Midlands said.
“Southbound carriageway remains open at this time, however reduced speeds are in place.”
Fires in Midlands amid extreme heat
18:36 , Alastair Lockhart
Residents across the West Midlands are being urged to stay indoors amid two major fires in the region.
West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing “extreme levels of demand” due to a fire in the Stourbridge area.
Drone footage published by the force showed a heat map of flames threatening to engulf homes in the area as smoke billowed across the town.
Stourbridge town hall has been set up as a rescue centre for people who have had to flee their homes.
Fifth hottest day since records began
17:10 , Tom Place
The high of 38.1C recorded today makes it the fifth hottest day in the UK since records began.
All of the top five occurred in the past 23, with the hottest ever day happening on July 19 2022, when it reached 40.3C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Hottest temperature of the year recorded in London
16:39 , Tom Place
A provisional temperature of 38.1C has been recorded in Kew Gardens this afternoon - the hottest temperature recorded in the UK this year.
That surpasses the previous high of 38C in Lingwood, Norfolk on June 28, according to the Met Office.
What's the forecast for the rest of the week?
16:20 , Alastair Lockhart
London has hit a high of over 37C today, but temperatures are expected to drop for the rest of the week.
However, Friday is set to see highs of around 33C as the heatwave continues.
Temperatures will then drop to highs of around 28C and 27C on Saturday and Sunday and remain around this level in the following days.
Several days next week are forecast to see cloud and rain.
If so, it would mean some of the only showers seen in the capital in the past few months.
Temperatures could still reach as high as 38C today
15:41 , Alastair Lockhart
Temperatures could reach 38C in some parts of England, in the fifth heatwave during what is on track to be a record hot summer, beating the previous record set only last year.
It could become the hottest day of the year so far if temperatures exceed the 38C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 28, amid a deadly heatwave which prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat.
Amber warnings for “extreme heat” are in place for a swathe of England from London to Sheffield, parts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, into Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in the South West and Shropshire and Herefordshire in the west.
The Met Office warned the highest temperatures on Thursday are expected in parts of the Midlands and western England.
Meanwhile a yellow warning has been issued for thunderstorms in Northern Ireland, which is in place until 6am on Friday.
Amber heat health alerts are also in place for most of England until Friday, with officials urging people to take simple precautions such as staying out of the sun at the hottest part of the day, checking in on vulnerable friends and family and staying hydrated.
Temperature hits 37C in London in hottest day
15:26 , Alastair Lockhart
Temperatures have hit 37C in London and even higher in some parts of England as 2026 sets new records for days of extreme heat.
The Met Office said by early afternoon temperatures had reached 37.6C at Charlwood in Surrey, while at Wisley temperatures had hit 37.2C, and Kew Gardens in London had recorded a temperature of 37C.
A further ten weather stations were at or above 36C, the provisional figures from the Met Office showed.
It makes 2026 the first year on record to see three separate days where temperatures reached the 37C threshold, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above.
36.5C recorded at Heathrow
14:50 , Tom Place
According to the Met Office, the temperature reached an incredible 36.5C in Heathrow at 2pm today.
That would make today the hottest day of the year in the capital, exceeding the 36.4C recorded on June 26.
There is still time this afternoon for the mercury to move even higher.
Scorched London: Images from space reveal how record-breaking heatwaves have frazzled the capital
14:17 , Alastair Lockhart
Images taken from satellites show the damage done to London’s parks during the heatwave.
Green spaces in the capital have largely turned yellow and brown after weeks of almost no rain.
Exclusive satellite imagery prepared by geospatial analytics company Map Impact for The Standard shows how the capital’s parks, gardens and other green oases are being frazzled into parched lands.
Climate change warning amid heatwave
13:56 , Alastair Lockhart
The UK is facing increasingly extreme conditions such as heatwaves, drought and wildfires fuelled by climate change, which is mostly driven by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels for power plants, vehicles, heating and industry.
Baroness Brown, who chairs the independent advisory Climate Change Committee’s adaptation work, warned it “gets worse from here” until greenhouse gas emissions are cut to zero overall, known as net zero.
With record dry conditions in July and a dry start to August, nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, heaping pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
England and Wales have already seen as many wildfires this year as in the whole of 2025.
Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the same as last year’s record-breaking total.
Temperature hits 35.7C at 1pm
13:41 , Michael Howie
The temperature reached an incredible 35.7C in Northolt, west London at 1pm, according to the Met Office.
With most of the afternoon stretching ahead, it looks distinctly possible that the 36C predicted by BBC Weather for today will be exceeded.
London’s hottest day of the year was on June 26, when 36.4C was recorded.
Fish removed from Langtons Gardens Lake amid heatwave
12:57 , Megan Howe
The heatwave has prompted urgent action at the Grade II listed parkland of Langtons Gardens in Hornchurch, where hot and dry conditions have put pressure on the ecosystem, according to the East London Times.
Prolonged periods of hot weather combined with minimal rainfall, have caused water levels in urban lakes and ponds to fall sharply.
At Langtons Gardens, the effects are particularly concerning for the lake’s fish and other aquatic wildlife.
When will the drought be over?
12:52 , Megan Howe
Drought conditions can continue long after the capital sees rain as the lack of rainfall can spread through the wider water system.
Rivers may respond relatively quickly when rain returns, but drained reservoirs, depleted groundwater stocks and bone-dry soils can take months or even years to fully recover.
"A landscape can look green again and rivers can rise while significant water deficits remain," says Dr Jeff Da Costa of the University of Reading.
In pictures: How heatwaves and drought have transformed London's parks
11:51 , Megan Howe
With another scorching day expected in the capital, here’s a glimpse at what effect the prolonged hot and dry weather has had on our parks and green spaces.
How heatwaves have transformed London's green spaces
Bus drivers to go on strike over working conditions in hot weather
11:20 , Megan Howe
Bus drivers in London are set to go on strike over working conditions in hot weather as the capital suffers through another heatwave.
The Unite union said more than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers were taking industrial action on Friday and multiple other days, over concerns the company is not taking the issue seriously.
Most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems, which only manage to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees Celsius rather than more effective air conditioning, the union said.
This means buses are still extremely hot for drivers and passengers, leading to health problems in the sweltering conditions.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The heatwave this week has caused even more problems for our members at Arriva North London, who have once again faced doing a demanding job in unbearable conditions.
“No worker should be made ill by their job.
“This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet.
“Arriva can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk, and it must make this a priority.”
Extreme heat putting UK's roads under strain says AA chief
11:06 , Megan Howe
Drivers are being warned that the extreme heat is putting the UK’s already deteriorating roads under strain as temperatures are set to soar into the mid 30Cs and above.
The AA said air temperatures in the low-to-mid 30Cs could translate into much higher road surface temperatures as the dark asphalt absorbs and stores heat, causing some roads to soften and leading highways authorities to go out with gritters to stabilise the surface.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “In prolonged hot weather, some road surfaces can soften, become sticky and, in places, start to rut under heavy traffic.
“The main risk for drivers isn’t that roads suddenly melt everywhere, but that already vulnerable patches can become tacky, uneven or start to deteriorate.
“That can affect braking, steering and grip, and can throw up loose material.”
He said the UK already had a major pothole problem and extreme weather – hot summers as well as cold winter conditions – “doesn’t help”.
“This is more than an inconvenience or a repair bill. Potholes and deteriorating surfaces are a road-safety issue,” he warned.
Thousands in east London and Essex without water as temperatures rise
10:49 , Megan Howe
Thousands of households in east London and Essex affected by a burst water main are expected to have their supplies restored by Friday.
Around 10,000 customers have been left without water or facing low pressure after “multiple” water main bursts at the weekend.
Fourteen postcodes have been affected after pipes broke on Chigwell Road and Daisy Lane in South Woodford.
Thames Water said it was "working towards all customers being back in supply by Friday", although it warned recovery times would vary depending on how quickly the network stabilised.
The company said some households could regain water sooner.
It has repeatedly apologised for the outage, and said it would "continue to deliver to customers who are registered as water dependent on our priority services register".
Top tips for travellers across London's rail network
10:37 , Megan Howe
Bring water: Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Check apps frequently: Timetable systems are changing too quickly to update in advance, so check right before you leave.
Make space: Store bags in overhead racks to keep carriages clear and help air cooling function.
Close doors: Close internal train doors behind you to help onboard air conditioning work better.
Do not board if unwell: If you feel dizzy or sick, do not get on the train. Use station staff or platform fans instead
UKHSA chief issues warning to Londoners as temperatures to reach mid-30s
10:00 , Megan Howe
Dr Yimmy Chow, London regional deputy director at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "With an Amber Heat-Health Alert in place, we encourage Londoners to continue to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and others during the next period of hot weather.
“Heat can affect anyone, but older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.
"Simple actions can make a real difference, such as keeping out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, staying hydrated, keeping indoor spaces cool where possible, and checking in on friends, family members and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the heat.
"We are also reminding people to be aware of the health impacts of smoke from wildfires this summer. If you are near a fire and a smoke plume, reduce your exposure where possible and follow advice from local authorities and emergency services.
“Anyone entering rivers, lakes or other open water should be aware that, even during hot weather, water temperatures can be dangerously cold and may trigger cold water shock, affecting breathing and the ability to stay afloat. By looking after ourselves and one another, we can help reduce the impact of hot weather on our communities and health services."
London Ambulance Service issues advice to Londoners
09:34 , Megan Howe
The London Ambulance Service has published a video with its top tips on how to stay cool during the heatwave.
The LAS is currently under immense pressure, responding to roughly 6,000 emergency calls a day.
Feeling the heat?
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) August 13, 2026
With a @metoffice Amber Heat warning in place, please take extra care in the sun and follow Paramedic Ushma's top tips for staying well 💚
Use 111 Online for urgent medical advice. pic.twitter.com/Ei3yGurDpg
Thursday could be hottest day of the year so far
09:17 , Megan Howe
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
“Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat.
“And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
“It could be the hottest day of the year so far if we get above 38C, and if we get above 38.5C, well it could be the hottest August day on record, but that’s actually pretty unlikely.”
Government working to prevent wildfires in periods of extreme heat
08:45 , Megan Howe
The Government is doing more to stop wildfires than just requesting shops to stop selling disposable barbecues, Baroness Jacqui Smith has said.
Speaking to LBC, the skills minister insisted “quite a lot more” came out of an emergency Cobra committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday.
She said: “(There is) additional funding for firefighters with equipment and training to help with some of the wildfires that we’ve seen. We’ve already invested in new reservoirs, for example, to help to protect our water supply.”
Lady Smith added that the Government was investing in nine new reservoirs and is working with farmers to help with irrigation issues.
She added: “I think it is fair enough for the Prime Minister to highlight that all of us have got a responsibility in these really sort of quite difficult, hot times to look after our neighbours, to make sure that you know, we’re keeping our homes cool, and there’s advice about how to do that, and frankly, not having fires or using disposable barbecues where that might be setting fire to things.”
Service disruption on GWR services today
08:32 , Megan Howe
⚠ Travel Update - 13/08 ⚠
— GWR (@GWRHelp) August 13, 2026
Due to severe weather between London Paddington and Reading fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day
Check… pic.twitter.com/ArAxJIoXsP
London Zoo to close early due to the extreme heat
08:18 , Megan Howe
London Zoo will close early today due to the hot weather.
A spokesperson said on X: “We're looking forward to welcoming visitors as usual during the day, but are temporarily closing earlier to help support the wellbeing of our animals, visitors and staff during the hottest part of the afternoon.
“Due to the forecast hot weather, the Zoo will close at 4pm (last entry 3pm) on Thursday 13 August.”
Due to the forecast hot weather, the Zoo will close at 4pm (last entry 3pm) on Thursday 13 August. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/sXc1N5hFMO
— London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo) August 11, 2026
'Do not travel unless essential,' say rail operators
07:47 , Megan Howe
Chiltern Railways and East Midlands Railway are telling passengers to travel only if essential today as temperatures are expected to reach 38C in some parts of the country.
Other operators serving London and wider areas are urging passengers to check before travelling and carry water.
Here’s what we know:
London Marylebone: Chiltern Railways is advising passengers to travel only if essential. They are running a reduced timetable between 11am and 8pm. Several services between London and Oxford will be affected.
London StPancras: East Midlands Railway is advising passengers to travel only if essential. A number of services will be suspended after midday.
London Paddington: Vast majority of services will run, however, some services will be amended during the hottest part of the day.
Transport for London: Operating its hot weather action plan which involves passengers carrying water and retiming their journeys to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Nurses 'collapsing at work' amid the heatwave
07:35 , Megan Howe
The Royal College of Nursing has warned that nurses are collapsing at work and are being forced to care for patients in temperatures in excess of 30C.
Others have reported seizures and “dripping with sweat from head to toe”, and nurses have said patients are being cared for in hospitals which have been described as “unbearably hot” and “not fit for humans”.
'Temperatures could reach as high as 38C today,' forecasters warn
07:15 , Megan Howe
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
“Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat.
“And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
He added: “It could be the hottest day of the year so far if we get above 38C, and if we get above 38.5C, well it could be the hottest August day on record, but that’s actually pretty unlikely.”
How many wildfires have there been this year?
07:03 , Megan Howe
Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales so far in 2026, the same as the record-breaking total for the whole of last year, the National Fire Chiefs Council said.
According to NFCC, this year’s figures have also surpassed the number of wildfires over the same period in 2025.
Between January 1 and August 12 last year, 869 wildfires were recorded, in what was then the worst year on record.
Over the same period in 2022, also one of the worst years for wildfires, the figure was 843.
NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: “Wildfires are becoming part of our new reality and we need to be honest about both the causes and the conditions that are driving them.
“While over 1,000 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, the incident numbers alone do not tell the full story.
“They do not capture the scale, duration and complexity of these incidents, or the impact they have on communities, the environment and fire and rescue services.
“As their impact grows, we must work with all stakeholders to ensure we have the right capabilities needed to protect our communities and to respond effectively when wildfires occur.”
Andy Burnham urges people to stop buying disposable BBQs
07:00 , Megan Howe
Speaking yesterday, the prime minister warned that extreme heat could be “with us for some weeks yet”, as he urged people not to buy disposable BBQs.
Ahead of the Cobra meeting he said: “People should not be using those barbecues outside at this moment in time,” he said.
“The wildfires I mentioned, many of them have been created by disposable barbecues.”
The prime minister went on to say there had been a “significant number of excess deaths from heat this summer already”.
He urged the public to follow health advice, including to “check in on elderly friends and relatives who may need support at this particular moment in time”.
Temperatures are expected to peak at 38C this week, with a firefighter union chief warning the country faces a “national emergency” amid ongoing wildfires.
Heatwave reaches peak in London as temperatures set to rise to 35C
06:55 , Megan Howe
London is set to swelter today, with temperatures expected to reach 35C in the capital as the UK’s fifth widespread heatwave of the year reaches its peak.
Thursday is forecast to be the hottest day of the heatwave, with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s Celsius across much of eastern England, London and the southwest.
An amber warning for extreme heat is in place from 9am until 11.59pm today.
The warning means the whole population is at risk of heat-related illness, with vulnerable people facing particular risks.
London’s infrastructure is also expected to come under pressure as temperatures rise. The NHS and other emergency services are preparing for an increase in heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and heat exhaustion.
People travelling on the London Underground are advised to carry water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Anyone who begins to feel unwell should leave the train at the next available station and seek help if needed.
We’ll bring you the latest updates throughout the day as temperatures rise across the capital.
