Parts of the U.K. are nearing two straight weeks of heatwave conditions, with southern England recording 13 consecutive days above local thresholds. Somerset’s Merryfield reached 30.6C (87.1F) on Thursday, marking the 12th day at or above 30C nationwide — the longest such stretch since 2006.
Temperatures above 26C in Bournemouth and 28C at Heathrow have persisted for nearly a fortnight.
Forecasters expect slightly cooler air to move in from the north over the weekend, though some areas may see several more days of heatwave conditions. The 1976 record of 16 days at or above 30C is not expected to be challenged.
The World Health Organization’s Europe office said Thursday that data from five European countries indicate nearly 10,000 excess deaths linked to this summer’s heat.
Calling Europe the world’s fastest‑warming continent, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average, the agency warned that extreme heat is placing sudden strain on essential services, including health and social care.
