Record-Breaking Heat

Friday marked the hottest day of the year in the UK, with temperatures soaring to 31.9°C (89.4°F) in St James's Park, central London. This surpassed the previous record of 30.5°C (87°F) set in Wisley, Surrey, on 26 June.

Nationwide Enjoyment

As the mercury rose, people across England made the most of the scorching weather:

• Tourists in Cambridge enjoyed punting tours, using umbrellas for shade
• Sunbathers flocked to central London's parks and squares
• Water sports enthusiasts took to the south coast in Kent

Cooling Down Ahead

Despite the current heatwave, forecasts suggest a cooler weekend is on the horizon:

• Temperatures are expected to lower
• Outbreaks of rain are predicted
• Possibility of thunder in some areas

As the UK bids farewell to this brief spell of intense heat, residents and visitors alike have seized the opportunity to bask in the summer sun. However, with changing weather patterns on the horizon, it's clear that this heatwave was a fleeting moment of Mediterranean-like conditions in Britain.