Get Stuck Into The History Of UK Heatwaves With Stikins®

As the sixth heatwave of the summer draws to a close, we've decided to learn more about heatwaves in the UK. Plus, find out why Stikins® are the perfect name labels to label your family's school uniform, kit, and belongings - whatever the weather!

A History Of UK Heatwaves

Temperatures have soared this summer, so we're taking a look at the history of heatwaves in the UK. With 2026 looking all but guaranteed to break the record for the UK's warmest summer (stealing the title from...2025), you might be wondering how this year stacks up against recent summers. So, did you know that…

• In the UK, the Met Office has defined a heatwave as a period of at least three consecutive days when the maximum temperature meets or exceeds a particular threshold. This threshold differs across the UK from 28°C (around London) to 25°C (South West England, Wales, North England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). 
• In 2003, thousands of death were attributed to a heatwave. In response, the Met Office and Public Health England worked together to create a “Heat Health Watch” system made up of four levels. Each level is based on maximum day temperatures, minimum night temperatures, and “normal” thresholds (28-30°C max day and 15-18°C min night).
  • LEVEL 1: normal summer conditions
  • LEVEL 2: 60+% chance that temperatures will be above normal for 2 days (+ the intervening night)
  • LEVEL 3: temperatures have been above normal for a consecutive day and night and there is a 90+% chance this will continue into the following day.
  • LEVEL 4: conditions are worse than levels 1-3. The health of the whole population is at risk, rather than just high-risk groups.

According to Met Office archives from 1910 onwards, the UK has experienced multiple heatwaves in every decade. Some of the best (or worst) weather came about in:

• 1906: holds the heat record for September after temperatures reached 35.6°C.
• 1911: after temperatures reached 36.7°C, this year claimed the most hours of sunshine in a month for England (383.9 hours).
• 1976: a combined heatwave and drought made this summer a yardstick for UK heatwaves. The hottest overall summer on record saw temperatures peak at 35.9°C in July with 18 consecutive days above 30°C and 15 consecutive days above 32°C.
• 1995: the driest summer (so far) with only 105.9mm of rain across the UK in June, July, and August. Also holds the record for the longest UK heatwave at 39 days (18 July to 25 August). 
• 2011: experience a heatwave in spring and autumn; holds the record for the highest temperature in October (29.9°C).
• 2018: this summer was declared the joint hottest on record with 1976, 2003, and 2006 - after a summer of droughts, crop failures, and wildfires.
• 2020: for the first time since 1976, the UK recorded maximum temperatures over 34°C for six consecutive days. There were also five tropical nights, when temperatures did not fall below 20°C overnight.
• 2022: the UK experienced three heatwaves in June, July, and August. The year was declared the warmest since records began in 1884 with the average annual temperature above 10°C for the first time ever. A record highest temperature of 40.3°C was recorded in Coningsby, England on 19th July - a record that still stands today.

In 2026, there have been six heatwaves (so far); 22-31 May (peaked at 35.1°C), 19-28 June (peaked at 38°C), 4-26 July (peaked at 35.5°C), 28-30 July (peaked at 35.2°C), 3-5 August (peaked at 33.5°C), and 9-15 August (peaked at 38.1°C).

Unbelievably, this isn't the most heatwaves declared in a single summer (2025, 1992, and 1933 recorded nine heatwaves each, while 2022, 2016, 1984, and 1973 saw eight heatwaves each).

While 2026 looks set to claim more records, it is currently the second longest heatwave ever recorded (37 days from 30 June to 5 August), the hottest day in May (35.1°C) and June (38°C), the first time that temperatures have reached 35°C in three separate months, and the most days in a year reaching 34°C (9 days) and 35°C (6 days). 

Stikins® – Durable Stick On Name Labels For Every Kind Of Weather

Stikins® labels are designed to stick on and stay on – whatever the weather. Our unique adhesive creates a firm and strong adhesive bond with all sorts of items that survives in all kinds of conditions.

Independently tested for 60 washes at 40°C, our name labels have also been thoroughly tested by thousands of families across the UK. Check out our Reviews Page where you'll find over 13,000 reviews describing all of the different ways that UK families have put our name labels to the test!

Stikins® make it super quick and easy to get all your kids' school kit labelled - along with any personal items you want to protect. Instead of working up a sweat sewing or ironing on labels, you can use our stick on name labels to get everything labelled in seconds. One pack of Stikins® can label clothing, fabric items, shoes, bags, school uniform, P.E. kit and equipment, water bottles and lunch boxes, stationery kits, and other essential extras that you want (your kids) to keep safe. To apply, simply peel each sticky name label off the backing sheet and stick firmly down.

You should stick your name labels onto the wash-care of clothing and fabric items. In shoes, it's best to use the side wall or the underside of the tongue.

Our bright white name labels are super soft, dirt resistant, and printed with a big bold black font. This makes them really easy to read for kids of all ages. At 30mm x 15mm, they fit neatly and discretely onto items of all shapes and sizes but provide a quick and clear indication of what belongs to whom!

We get your name labels printed and posted super fast. We offer same day despatch (or by 3pm, Monday to Friday) by first class post. Around 81% of first class mail arrives next day and 96% within three days. Simply, let us know the name(s) you need printing, pick your pack size, enter your delivery information, and pay. It takes seconds to order and then you can get back to enjoying (or surviving) the summer.