Key points
- Over 9,000 fans queue in sun-scorched Wimbledon Park grounds
- Wimbledon opens amid soaring heat, expected to hit 34°C
- Kew Gardens records blistering 29.7°C before midday on Monday
- Hottest Wimbledon start in history, Met Office confirms
- London facing rare “tropical night” with 20°C overnight temperatures
- Fire brigade warns of wildfires amid dry, flammable conditions
ISLAMABAD: By mid-morning, the famous Wimbledon queue had swelled to over 9,000 fans, snaking its way through the dry, sun-scorched grass of Wimbledon Park in London.
With temperatures already soaring past previous high and expected to rise to 34 degrees Celsius (°C) — beating the 2001 record of 29.3°C — this year’s Wimbledon began not only with world-class tennis, but with extreme heat and a sense of shared endurance.
Record-breaking temperatures
The Met Office has confirmed that Monday is on track to be one of the hottest June days ever recorded in the United Kingdom (UK), with temperatures possibly rising to 34°C. Kew Gardens, near the All England Club, recorded a provisional high of 29.7°C before midday, making it officially the hottest start to Wimbledon in history. Only three Junes since 1960 have exceeded 34°C, the highest being 35.6°C on June 28, 1976.
The scorching conditions come during the UK’s second heatwave of the year, surpassing temperatures in popular holiday destinations like Jamaica and Barbados. London, now four days into the heatwave, is forecast to remain over 20°C overnight — a rare “tropical night” — with the mercury potentially reaching 35°C on Tuesday, according to The Guardian.
But the heat also brings serious risks. London Fire Brigade has issued a wildfire warning, citing dry conditions and a sharp increase in grass and garden fires. “It only takes a few sparks to start something serious,” said Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall. “With so many of our green spaces close to homes, the danger is real.”
Crowds brave the heat
Back in the queue, umbrellas offered precious shade, water was passed between strangers, and makeshift fans were fashioned from anything available. Despite the discomfort, the spirit remained high.
“You can’t really explain it,” said Nigel Broad. “It’s not just about tennis — it’s about people. And even in this heat, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
The first Centre Court match this year features defending champion Carlos Alcaraz against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, a former top 10 player. Alcaraz is seeking his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year.
