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UK records hottest 2026 day as extreme heat warns

8/15/2026

Summary

UK Sets Record

Forecasts call for low-40 °C temperatures on Thursday and Friday across much of France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Benelux as the fifth heat dome peaks.
The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of 2026 at 38.1 °C in west London, beating the previous record by 0.1 °C.
Southern Water applied for a rare drought order that would ban non-essential water use, with Environment Secretary Angela Eagle set to decide.

Summary

NWS Issues Heat

National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. east of the Atchafalaya Basin with heat-index values up to 113 °F.
An Extreme Heat Watch covers Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and could be upgraded to a warning within 24 hours while overnight lows remain high, offering little relief.
Health officials urge checking on the elderly, pets and livestock, staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity because rain chances are only 20-30 % this week.

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UK Sets Record

Forecasts call for low-40 °C temperatures on Thursday and Friday across much of France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Benelux as the fifth heat dome peaks.
The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of 2026 at 38.1 °C in west London, beating the previous record by 0.1 °C.
Southern Water applied for a rare drought order that would ban non-essential water use, with Environment Secretary Angela Eagle set to decide.

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