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The record for the hottest day of the year could be broken this weekend for the second time in three days as the mercury is set to rise above 30C once again in the UK.

On Thursday, the Met Office recorded 32.6C in Surrey – the hottest day of the year so far.

The forecaster also believes the country could have six days of 30C heat for the first time in September.

Sky News weather producer Steff Gaulter said there is a “good chance” Saturday will be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures expected to climb to a sweaty 33C.

But this won’t last long as cooler weather begins to spread by the start of next week, she added.

“This weekend is also when we’ll see the hot weather start to break down,” she said.

“Because there’s so much heat around giving so much energy to the atmosphere, there’s also the risk we could see some pretty active thunderstorms pop up on Sunday.”

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Here’s how the forecast looks in your area:

Northeast

It’s expected to be a bright start to Saturday, with a chance of some showers through the afternoon, which could be heavy at times.

Temperatures will remain high for most of the day, as Newcastle is forecast highs of 25C and Middlesbrough 28C.

It’s a different picture on Sunday, as cloudy skies bring the risk of heavy, thundery showers. The region can expect highs between 21C and 23C.

Blackpool could see high temperatures
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Blackpool could see high temperatures

Northwest

Saturday will be warm and mostly dry, despite a small chance of thundery weather in the afternoon.

Temperatures can get as high as 28C in the day and it will stay as warm as 23C into the evening.

While the chance of rain increases on Sunday, it will stay warm and humid for most as the top temperature is expected to match Saturday.

As the weekend draws to a close, temperatures will start to drop.

Check the five-day forecast in your area

West Midlands

Early fog will clear on Saturday morning to make way for a warm and dry day, with highs of 31C in some parts.

Birmingham and Coventry can expect temperatures of around 29C, with the occasional cloud cover, and Wolverhampton should hover at around 28C later in the day.

Like much of the UK, there is a small chance of some showers – even thunder – in the afternoon.

Sunday brings a higher risk of rain, which could turn heavy and thundery, but it will stay warm and humid with highs of around 27C.

The hot weather won't last, with cooler days forecast early next week
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The hot weather won’t last, with cooler days forecast early next week

Southwest

It’s another warm day across the southwest on Saturday, with highs of 27C in Plymouth and around 25C into Cornwall.

There is a chance of showers as the day goes on, but the risk is higher on Sunday, when temperatures will begin to drop to around 23C and thunderstorms are possible.

Like the rest of the southeast, Buckinghamshire will see high temperatures
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Like the rest of the southeast, Buckinghamshire will see high temperatures

Southeast

Areas in and around London and Surrey could see the hottest temperatures in the UK on Saturday as the thermometer is expected to rise to 32C – and possibly slightly higher.

It’s likely to be slightly cooler around coastal areas, but still well into the high 20s.

Sunday will also stay predominantly warm with long sunny spells.

East Anglia

It will stay warm and sunny around the region, with Norwich experiencing highs of 30C on Saturday, like much of the surrounding parts.

There is a chance of some showers, but this risk is slightly higher on Sunday, which will still be sunny and warm at around 27C.

East Midlands

Saturday will be warm, with highs of 30C after a misty start to the morning.

There will be a risk of showers on Sunday, but it could remain as high as 30C.

Scotland

Much of Scotland can expect to remain mainly dry on Saturday, with highs of 25C near the border with England and 23C in Edinburgh.

There is a chance of some showers on Sunday, particularly further north, but southern areas can expect warm sunshine to see out the weekend.

Northern Ireland

It’s set to be another warm day in Northern Ireland on Saturday after early morning mist lifts to give way to sunny spells and highs of 24C around Belfast.

Thunderstorms are also possible in the afternoon, however, as temperatures start to cool on Sunday, which is forecast to be largely cloudy with highs of around 21C.

Wales

The outlook is even brighter around Wales, with Cardiff likely to see clear skies throughout Saturday and highs of 28C.

Low cloud could affect some coastal areas and there is a small chance there could be showers in the afternoon.

In keeping with the rest of the UK, it will be cooler in Wales on Sunday, with highs of 24C and cloudy skies threatening light rain.

A weather warning is in place
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A weather warning is in place

Warning still in place

The prolonged period of heat poses a risk to older people and anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

The UK Health Security Agency therefore has issued an amber warning until 9pm on Sunday in nearly every area of England.

A yellow heat alert is in place until the same time in the northeast of England.

‘No chance’ of all-time record

While a record for 2023 is likely, Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge says it won’t get high enough to break the all-time September temperature record.

September’s highest daily temperature reading was 35.6C recorded on 2 September 1906 in South Yorkshire, according to the Met Office.

Read more:
This heatwave is very unusual – here’s why
What is an omega block – and how is it causing our extreme weather?

“There is potential that we might get a little bit warmer over the weekend, not by a massive amount, but enough to make it the warmest day of the year so far again,” he said.

“It is always going to be around 32C, close to 33C at the maximum temperature.”

But another record is within reach.

“If we do see 30C all the way through until Sunday, which it looks fairly sure it will be, that will be six days in a row that we have reached 30C,” he added.

“Previously in September we’ve only reached 30C three days in a row.

“So although it’s not the the hottest spell of weather we’ve had in September, in terms of prolonged hot weather it is twice as long as we have previously had.”

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Counter-terrorism police investigating after two women injured in Leeds

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Counter-terrorism police investigating after two women injured in Leeds

Counter-terrorism police are investigating after an incident involving a crossbow and a firearm left two women injured in Leeds.

Police were called to Otley Road at 2.47pm on Saturday to reports of a “serious incident involving a man seen with weapons”, West Yorkshire Police said.

Officers arrived at the scene to find two women injured – and a 38-year-old man with a self-inflicted injury. All three were taken to hospital, with the man held under arrest, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, which were a crossbow and a firearm,” Counter Terrorism Policing North East said in a statement.

The incident happened on the ‘Otley Run’ pub crawl, with one venue saying it was closed for the evening due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Officers guard one of the crime scenes in Leeds
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Officers guard one of the crime scenes

Officers inside the cordon in Leeds
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Officers inside the cordon in Leeds

Counter Terrorism Policing’s statement added: “Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken responsibility for leading the investigation with the support of West Yorkshire Police.

“Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described it as a “serious violent incident” and said she was being kept updated by police.

“Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response,” she said. “My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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Wrexham promoted for third season in a row under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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Wrexham promoted for third season in a row under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Wrexham AFC have been promoted for the third season in a row.

The North Wales-based side has gone from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons, under its Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Wrexham were second in the table and had a run of eight games unbeaten ahead of their match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, which they won 3-0.

Wrexham's James McClean lifts the trophy after the Sky Bet League One match at SToK Racecourse, Wrexham. Picture date: Saturday April 26, 2025.
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Wrexham’s James McClean lifts the League One trophy. Pic: PA

Wrexham's Dan Scarr celebrates with the fans on the pitch after Wrexham won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after the Sky Bet League One match at SToK Racecourse, Wrexham. Picture date: Saturday April 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Wrexham. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire...RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Wrexham’s Dan Scarr celebrates with the fans on the pitch after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA

It is the first time any club has been promoted for three consecutive seasons within the top five tiers of English football.

The third oldest association football club in the world, Wrexham AFC was bought by Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020, and has since been the subject of a Disney+ documentary, Welcome To Wrexham.

Reynolds, wearing a Wrexham sweatshirt, and McElhenney were pictured celebrating each goal, and after the game, as the fans came onto the pitch at the SToK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) to celebrate the victory with the players.

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds (right) and Ryan's wife Blake Lively before the Sky Bet League One match at SToK Racecourse, Wrexham. Picture date: Saturday April 26, 2025.
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Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds and Ryan’s wife Blake Lively, before the match. Pic: PA

Both stars came onto the pitch after the supporters returned to the stands.

More on Ryan Reynolds

Speaking to Sky Sports, McElhenney praised those behind the scenes, referring to “so many that don’t get the credit they deserve, people who aren’t talked about”.

Reynolds said bringing success back to the club “seemed like an impossible dream” when they arrived in North Wales in 2020.

Wrexham's Sam Smith celebrates in front of the fans on the pitch after Wrexham won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after the Sky Bet League One match at SToK Racecourse, Wrexham. Picture date: Saturday April 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Wrexham. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire...RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Wrexham’s Sam Smith celebrates in front of the fans after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA

He put the three promotions down to “the coaching staff, the greatest dressing room” and an “all for one, one for all” attitude throughout the club, adding he was “speechless with their commitment and their emotion”.

As for the mouth-watering prospect of another promotion to the promised land of the Premier League, the pair agreed it was “for tomorrow”, before ending the interview with a joint mic-drop.

Veteran striker Steven Fletcher said, “as soon as I came to this club, I knew it was something special. We want to go again. We’ll reset in the summer, take a break and go again”.

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Direct action group Just Stop Oil holds final protest, claiming it has been ‘successful’

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Direct action group Just Stop Oil holds final protest, claiming it has been 'successful'

“It has been a success.”

Just Stop Oil (JSO) insists it’s been “successful” – as its members ceremoniously hang up their orange high-vis vests during a march in central London.

Since the group formed three years ago, it’s drawn attention and criticism for its colourful, controversial protests, which ranged from disrupting sporting events to throwing soup on Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and climbing on gantries over the M25. It sprayed orange paint over Stonehenge, and cost police forces tens of millions of pounds.

Those days are now behind it; to the relief of many.

Read more
JSO co-founder wins court appeal
Activists target grave of Charles Darwin
77 year old JSO activist recalled to prison

As a few hundred activists marched through London on Saturday, blocking roads as they went; taxi drivers blared their horns and football fans shouted abuse from the pavement.

The PA News Agency filmed the moment a white minivan seemed to drive towards a group of protesters blocking the road.

Protesters shouted “I’m being pushed back!” to police, while the driver could be heard shouting “What about my right to get home?” to the officers gathered.

But JSO never set out to be popular. And it believes its tactics – though hated – have been successful; thanks to the new Labour government’s commitment to not issue new oil or gas exploration licences.

That’s why, it says, its ceasing direct action.

JSO hangs up its high vis jackets in central London on Saturday
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JSO hangs up its high-vis jackets in central London on Saturday

A washing line of high-vis jackets signifies JSO's disbanding
Image:
A washing line of high-vis jackets signifies JSO’s disbanding

“This moment marks the success of the JSO campaign – our demand was to end new oil and gas licences and that is now government policy.

“As a result of which four billion barrels of oil are being kept under the North Sea. The campaign has reached a natural end.”

Dr Oscar Berglund, senior lecturer in international public and social policy, disagrees that JSO is disappearing because it’s been “successful”.

He told Sky News policing strength and public perception might have more to do with it.

“They have very low levels of popularity. About 17% of the British population are kind of broadly supportive of what Just Stop Oil do. And that’s too low to recruit.

“It’s difficult to recruit members to something that is that unpopular, and then that a lot of people for good reason I think have kind of stopped believing in that kind of disruption as a means to achieve meaningful change.”

Group triggers specific new protest laws

One thing it did change is the law.

Policing commentator Graham Wettone tells us: “Obstruction of the highway, obstruction of rail networks for example, these are specific offences now.

“It’s given the police more tactics, more methods, more offences they can consider, even stopping and searching somebody who may have something to either lock themselves on or glue themselves to something.”

A JSO activist holds a picture of an imprisoned colleague
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A JSO activist holds a picture of an imprisoned colleague

Emma Smart was held in prison for her activism with both Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil.

“The high-vis might be going away,” she tells me, “but we aren’t.”

“These people aren’t going anywhere, we are still committed, dedicated, terrified by the failings of this government and governments around the world.”

JSO activists throw orange paint at van Gogh's sunflowers
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JSO activists throw orange paint at van Gogh’s sunflowers

Orange smoke set off by JSO protesters at Stonehenge
Image:
Orange smoke set off by JSO protesters at Stonehenge

She hopes for a time of reflection before it returns in a new form but says the need for climate activism is stronger than ever.

She also believes that while most people dislike JSO tactics, it still raises awareness of the cause and might even push people to more moderate campaign groups.

Just Stop Oil came behind other, similarly controversial climate campaign groups like Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion, and as it says goodbye, its disruptive methods have been seized upon by other organisations like the Pro-Palestinian Youth Justice.

The infamous Just Stop Oil orange vests might be going away, but the individual activists, their cause and campaign tactics feel here to stay.

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