The heatwave in London is expected to last days longer than previously predicted with the hot weather set to last at least another week.
The Met Office is forecasting daily highs in the capital no lower than 29C through until the end of next week.
It comes after temperatures exceeded 34C in London on Thursday - day five of the current heatwave.
A high of 31C is predicted for London on Friday.
Outside London, Anglian Water has announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the East of England.
Officials warn that drought conditions are increasingly likely while the nation swelters in temperatures set to climb as high as 36C in the Midlands on Friday.
However the long dry spell in London could be broken next week, with BBC Weather forecasting thunderstorms in the capital on Thursday and Friday.
Live updates
Thames Water urge customers to not use hosepipes
While there is no official ban in place, Thames Water has urged its customers not to use hosepipes or sprinklers during heatwaves.
The water company said: “At times, we're using water faster than we can deliver it through our network. We're working around the clock to manage this, moving water to where it's needed and fixing leaks as quickly as possible.
“Reducing your use at home, especially outdoors, will make the biggest difference. So we're asking customers not to use hosepipes or sprinklers during heatwaves. This will help us make sure everyone gets enough water for essential use.”
Thames Water added that a hose or sprinkler can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour - the equivalent of 25 people taking a 4-minute shower.
What's the weather like in Europe?
Temperatures in London will climb to around 31C this afternoon, but we should count ourselves lucky that we’re not in Paris.
The French capital is set to see highs of 35C today and tomorrow will be even hotter at 36C. Elsewhere, Barcelona will match London’s high of 31C while Berlin will see cooler temperatures of 27C.
Here’s what it’s looking like across other European cities:
Paris, France: 35C
Berlin, Germany: 27C
Oslo, Norway: 29C
Madrid, Spain: 34C
Amsterdam, Netherlands: 27C
Rome, Italy: 35C
London hits 26C
As it nears 10:30am in London, the mercury has already climbed to 26C.
It’s only going to get hotter with forecasters predicting highs of 30C by 4pm this afternoon.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest on the third heatwave of the year.
Where can you cool off in the heat?
It’s a very warm Friday and countless Londoners will be looking for somewhere to keep cool this weekend. The capital is spoilt for choice when it comes to blue spaces, from outdoor lidos to swimming ponds and lockes.
Grab your cossie and head to Hampstead Heath ponds for a freshwater dip or try London’s newest swimming pool at Sea Lanes in Canary Wharf.
Here are Evening Standard’s top picks:
The best lidos and outdoor swimming pools in London
Here are the best outdoor swimming spots to cool off at during the hot weather
When will it rain?
The summer of 2026 will go down in history. It has been the year with the most days reaching 34C or more and is currently experiencing one of its longest heatwaves.
Temperatures climbed to 34C yesterday, but will mercifully hover at around 30C today. While the heat is here to stay, there is no sign of rain just yet.
In fact, forecasters are saying there won’t be a downpour in London until late next week.
At the same time, there’s a growing fear that without rain, hosepipe bans will be enforced in the capital.
You can find out more here:
When will it rain again in London? Hosepipe ban fears grow in the capital
Could a hosepipe ban be introduced in London - and when is it next going to rain?
ICYMI: Dozens of fish found dead in Wimbledon Park
Dozens of fish have been found dead in Wimbledon Park Lake prompting an investigation by Merton Council.
Council officers are currently removing the fish from the 20-acre lake to protect water quality and minimise any impact on wildlife.
An investigation is ongoing but initial findings suggest the likely cause is the “prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather”.
High temperatures can deplete oxygen levels in the lake, with similar incidents found across the country during the recent heatwaves.
You can read the full story here:
Investigation launched after dozens of fish die in south London lake
Initial findings suggest the likely cause is the ‘prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather’
Hottest Tube lines revealed
Londoners will be facing hellish temperatures on their commute into work this morning as the scorching heatwave prevails on its sixth day.
Braving the heat so you don't have to, Evening Standard took to the Tube to find out exactly what commuters are facing on their way around the capital.
The Central line took the top spot while the Elizabeth line was unsurprisingly the coolest at 22.6C.
You can watch the full report here:
At least 12 dead in Spain after heatwave sparks wildfire
At least 12 people have died and 19 are missing after a wildlife broke out in southern Spain. Four of those victims are believed to be from the UK.
The heatwave has prompted alarm about a summer of dangerous fires across Europe.
Earlier this week, the London Fire Brigade said it had recorded its highest number of emergency calls, including 13 separate fires.
The brigade said that current hot weather poses a heightened risk of wildfires.
What's the weather like at Wimbledon?
The Men’s singles semi-final is set to take place on Centre Court at 1:30pm this afternoon. Britain’s Arthur Fery, a wildcard entry, will face German Grand Slam champion Alexander Zverev in what promises to be a thrilling match.
This will be followed by a showdown between Djokovic and title defender Sinner at around 3pm.
This is also when the sun will be at its peak on Friday, with the Met Office forecasting highs of around 30C between 1pm and 3pm.
In pictures: London heatwave
It’s heating up in London with temperatures now rising to around 24C at 8am. Luckily, the worst of the heatwave is behind us, but today still promises highs of 31C.
Here’s what the last few days have looked like in pictures.