The UK saw temperatures reach 38.1C on 13 August 2026, the hottest day of the year, while Greece battled wildfires driven by gale force winds amid a wider European heatwave.
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Key facts
- The UK reached 38.1C, the hottest day recorded so far in 2026, according to the Guardian.
- Greece was battling wildfires after gale force winds swept the country.
- Several UK weather stations reported temperatures above 30C before 11am, the Met Office said.
- A former UK government scientific adviser warned that worse heat is still to come.
The United Kingdom recorded a temperature of 38.1C on 13 August 2026, marking the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Guardian. The reading came as a wider heatwave gripped parts of Europe, affecting countries including France, Spain and Italy.
The Met Office reported that several UK weather stations had already climbed above 30C before 11am. Early readings included 30.4C in Wych Cross, 30.3C in Charlwood and 30.2C at Kenly Airfield, indicating the scale of the heat building through the day.
In Greece, authorities were battling wildfires after gale force winds swept across the country. The strong winds initially raised fears about the spread of fires before blazes took hold, according to the Guardian’s coverage.
A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid what was described as ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come, according to the Guardian. The comment underscored concerns about the intensity of extreme weather events during the European summer.
The Guardian tracked the developing situation across several updates through the day, reporting on conditions in the UK alongside those in southern European nations experiencing high temperatures, drought and wind.
Why it matters
Record-breaking temperatures and wind-driven wildfires highlight the growing strain that extreme summer heat is placing on communities and emergency services across Europe. Warnings that worse conditions may lie ahead point to the mounting risks facing millions of people during increasingly severe heat events.
Frequently asked questions
How hot did it get in the UK on 13 August 2026?
The UK reached 38.1C, making it the hottest day of 2026 so far, according to the Guardian. Several weather stations had already passed 30C before 11am, the Met Office reported.
What is happening in Greece during the heatwave?
Greece was battling wildfires after gale force winds swept across the country, according to the Guardian, with the strong winds initially sparking fears about how the fires might spread.
Could the heat get worse?
A former UK government scientific adviser warned that worse heat is still to come, according to the Guardian, describing the conditions as 'shattering.'
Timeline
- UK sees temperatures of 38.1C, the hottest day of 2026; Greece battles wildfires after gale force winds – as it happened
The Guardian World: A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid the ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come Met Office has just offered an update on temperatures across the UK, with several stations already reporting temperatures above 30C – and it’s not even 11am. It’s 30.4C in Wych
- Europe heatwave live: UK sees temperatures of 38.1C, the hottest day of 2026; Greece battles wildfires after gale force winds
The Guardian World: A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid the ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come Met Office has just offered an update on temperatures across the UK, with several stations already reporting temperatures above 30C – and it’s not even 11am. It’s 30.4C in Wych
- Europe heatwave live: UK sees temperatures of 38.1C, the hottest day of 2026; Greece battles gale force winds, sparking fears about wildfires
The Guardian World: A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid the ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come Met Office has just offered an update on temperatures across the UK, with several stations already reporting temperatures above 30C – and it’s not even 11am. It’s 30.4C in Wych
- Europe heatwave live: Greece battles gale force winds, sparking fears about wildfires; UK sees temperatures of 37C for third time this year
The Guardian World: A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid the ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come Met Office has just offered an update on temperatures across the UK, with several stations already reporting temperatures above 30C – and it’s not even 11am. It’s 30.4C in Wych