Sunny skies and 30°C in Barnes today — a good one to be outside
11 July 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
After several days of hazy heat, Friday brings what looks like the cleaner end of the hot spell: clear sunshine and a high of 30°C, with overnight temperatures dropping to a more comfortable 18°C and just a one per cent chance of rain, according to the Met Office forecast for Barnes.
The UV index is rated at 9 — classed as "very high" — so sun cream, a hat and regular shade breaks are genuinely worth the effort, especially for children and anyone spending time near the river or on the Common. The NHS recommends reapplying SPF 30 or above every two hours when UV is this strong.
Barnes Pond remains closed to bird feeding due to the ongoing avian botulism outbreak, so the riverfront and Leg o' Mutton nature reserve are better bets for a lunchtime walk. The Wetland Centre's outdoor areas are also well shaded. If you are heading out for the afternoon, early evening tends to be the sweet spot once the temperature eases slightly after around 5pm.