2026 is on course to become the hottest summer on record

Parts of the UK are facing their fifth round of intense temperatures (Picture: EPA)

The UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat the record set just last year, the Met Office said.

Some parts of the country are facing a fifth round of intense temperatures, with amber ‘extreme heat’ warnings in place for parts of England on Thursday when temperatures could hit 38C in some spots.

Nearly three-Quart...