On Thursday, temperatures exceeded 34C for the eighth day this year, breaking the previous record of seven days in a calendar year.

The UK is set to bake in another day of 35C highs, with temperatures expected to remain at heatwave level until the end of next week. On Thursday, temperatures exceeded 34C for the eighth day this year, breaking the previous record of seven days over this peak, set in 1976 and 2020. The duration of the year's third heatwave, which began earlier this week, has been striking and could last into next, before cooler more unsettled weather is forecast to arrive. But parts of the UK could see some respite over the weekend when a north-easterly breeze on Saturday is expected to pull in cooler air from the North Sea. However, spots in the south and east will still meet heatwave temperatures. Amber and yellow heat health warnings issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), external remain in place across large parts of England until 21:00 BST on Sunday. Wales was not far behind with Bute Park in Cardiff reaching 31.3C, Charterhall in Scotland reached 29.3C and Killowen registered the highest Northern Ireland temperature with 27.5C. On Friday the heat focus shifts further west into places such as Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and eastern Wales - where temperatures could rise to 34 or 35C in parts. Meanwhile, as high pressure shifts more towards the north of the UK, a north-easterly wind should bring a refreshing breeze inland and eastern areas of England will feel less hot.