UK record for number of days above 30C broken, as new heatwave approaches

The UK has broken a 30-year record for the number of days in a year with termperatures of 30C or above recorded.

Temperatures have exceeded 30C in the south-east England as the UK prepares for a fifth heatwave in the coming week, while north-west Scotland has experienced half a month's rainfall in just two days.

Frittenden in Kent recorded 30.6C on Sunday, with more places expected to reach highs of up to 32C later in the day.

That brings the total number of 30C days in 2026 to 35; breaking the previous record of 34 days, set in 1995.

Meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "We've seen Frittenden in Kent reach 30.6C.

"We still expect temperatures to peak maybe 32C or just above this afternoon."

Forecasters said Monday will be slightly cooler, but there will likely be heatwave conditions next week, with a high of 36C forecast in parts of East Anglia and the South East by Thursday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.

The alerts are in place until 9pm on Tuesday, but may well be extended as the hot weather continues.

This summer's extreme weather has included two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June that led to more than 2,800 excess deaths.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

(c) Sky News 2026: UK record for number of days above 30C broken, as new heatwave approaches