The UK is finally emerging from an unprecedented heatwave , which saw temperatures smash a monthly record , reaching 37.3C on Thursday afternoon. The scorching reading was recorded in Cavendish, Suffolk, according to provisional Met Office figures, making it the hottest day of 2026 so far. A rare red warning for extreme heat was extended across London and parts of south-east England until 21:00 BST on Friday, leaving millions of people sweltering for a third consecutive day. The danger-to-life