Another scorcher today: 32°C in Barnes with strong UV
12 August 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Wednesday is set to be the hottest day of the current spell for Barnes, with the Met Office forecasting a high of 32°C, clear skies and just a 1% chance of rain. The overnight low will stay warm at around 21°C, and the hot weather is expected to continue through Friday.
The UV index is forecast at 7 — classed as high — so sun cream, a hat and staying in the shade during the middle of the day are genuinely sensible rather than just advisory. Children and older residents are particularly worth keeping an eye on during this kind of sustained heat.
Barnes Green, the towpath and the riverside are likely to be busy. If you are heading to the river, please note that Thames water temperatures in summer can be deceptively cold beneath the surface, and the current can be stronger than it looks — the RNLI advises against swimming in the Thames.
For those working from home, the cooler morning hours are a good window to get out before temperatures peak in the early afternoon. The forecast is from the Met Office and covers today and the coming days.