Fulham hits 37°C today — the hottest day of the spell so far

After a week of very warm weather, today marks a significant step up: the Met Office is forecasting a high of 37°C in Fulham, making this the hottest day of the current hot spell, which has already seen several days in the low-to-mid thirties.

Sunshine is expected throughout the day, with a low overnight of 22°C and just a 4% chance of rain. The UV index sits at 7 — classed as high — so sun protection is strongly recommended for anyone spending time outside, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation peaks. Met Office forecast

At this temperature, health officials generally advise residents to keep homes cool by closing blinds and windows during the hottest part of the day and opening them again in the evening. Staying well hydrated, checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity in the early afternoon are all practical steps worth taking.

Cooler spots locally include Bishops Park along the Thames, where tree cover and river breezes can take the edge off, and the air-conditioned sections of Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre. If you need to travel, TfL advises carrying water on the Tube, where temperatures can run significantly higher than outside.