The summer of 1976 is often spoken about as the benchmark against which all UK summers are measured, but as this summer continues, it is looking increasingly likely that 2026 may become the one people talk about for years to come. Yesterday saw yet another record fall, becoming the eighth day of 2026 where the UK maximum temperature has exceeded 34°C - the highest number of such days in a calendar year since records began in 1888... and the heat is not finished yet.

Indeed, today is likely to become the ninth such day, with another widely hot or very hot day in store. However, the focus of the highest temperatures is beginning to shift a little further westwards as an easterly breeze develops, bringing some welcome relief towards eastern regions.

So, it is a fine start to the day for many with any early mist and low cloud quickly clearing. For most places it will then be another dry, sunny and increasingly hot day, with temperatures across many parts of England and Wales climbing into the low to mid-thirties. It will feel a little fresher around eastern coasts thanks to that breeze coming in from the North Sea, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will generally see temperatures reaching the low to mid-twenties.

However, it remains a different story across the north and west of Scotland where it will stay disappointingly cool and cloudy, with further outbreaks of rain at times and temperatures held back in the teens.

A fine evening and night follows for most places, although the odd thundery shower cannot be completely ruled out. Further north, outbreaks of rain across northern Scotland may become heavier for a time. Meanwhile, areas of low cloud over the North Sea will begin drifting inland overnight, introducing slightly cooler conditions across some eastern areas.

Tomorrow will see that low cloud retreating back towards eastern coasts, allowing many places to enjoy another fine, sunny and very warm day. However, further north, cloud and outbreaks of rain will gradually sink southwards across Scotland with temperatures remaining subdued here.

METEOROLOGIST : BARBER

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