Hottest day yet: Barnes forecast to hit 34°C today
9 July 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Today is shaping up to be the hottest day of the current spell, with the Met Office forecasting a peak of 34°C in Barnes under partly cloudy skies. The overnight low stays high at 23°C, and there is only a 5 per cent chance of rain. The UV index reaches 8 — classified as very high — so sun protection is worth thinking about even during cloud cover. Met Office forecast
A few practical things worth bearing in mind for a day like today: Barnes Pond is currently affected by avian botulism, so residents are asked not to feed the birds there regardless of conditions. The green spaces around Barnes Common and Leg o' Mutton nature reserve can offer shade, though during the hottest part of the afternoon — roughly 11am to 4pm — it is worth staying in shade or indoors where possible.
The Thames at Barnes can look tempting in heat like this, but open-water swimming in the river carries real risks and is not recommended. Staying well hydrated, keeping an eye on elderly neighbours, and drawing curtains on south-facing windows during the day will all help make the heat more manageable.