Yesterday (July 18), in case you didn’t notice, it was pretty warm. And when I say warm, I mean absolutely f**king roasting.
While the peak temperature fell just shy of the nation’s 2019 record of 38.7°C in Cambridge, hitting just the 38.1°C in Santon Downham, one record did get broken, as the highest night temperature ever was registered in Britain.
It’s the first time the UK has ever not dropped below 25°C across the country, and breaks a record from 30 years ago, where Brighton only dropped to 23.9°C on August 3, 1990.
Last night, however, temperatures dipped to 25.9°C in Emley Moor, West Yorkshire, and Kenley in south London was close behind at 25.8°C. I’m sure we don’t need to tell you that it was a hot night, as we all felt the effects as we tried – and probably failed – to sleep.
Today (July 19), it’s not likely to be much easier on that front. Forecasters still aren’t ruling out the possibility of the country hitting 40°C in some parts for the first time, and London is set to hit an eye-watering 38°C.
The Met Office is urging people to stay indoors where possible during the peak hours of sunlight (11am – 4pm), and to drink enough water to stay cool throughout the day.
The level four red weather warning issued last week, for the first time ever, remains in place today, and you can read further advice on the Met Office site.