UK records hottest day of 2026, temperature hits 38.1°C in London

The UK recorded its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C in West London. The country is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the year, with the first arriving in May. More than 1,000 wildfires have been reported across England and Wales in 2026. Meanwhile, France is also facing a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 41°C in several areas.