The Met Office has pinpointed 25 locations across the UK that are forecast to hit 33C today (Thursday, July 9), as the country endures its third heatwave of 2026. The hottest conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, with some parts of England potentially reaching 35C or 36C.
Heatwave to persist into next week
While temperatures are predicted to gradually ease in some regions going into next week, the Met Office warns that very warm weather will continue. Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree stated: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.”
Crabtree added: “High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest.”
Regional temperature variations
Greater Manchester is forecast to see highs of 32C this week, peaking on Friday before dropping slightly over the weekend but staying in the high 20s. The Met Office noted that some places that have experienced the highest temperatures recently will begin to cool, but the southwest will remain very warm, potentially meeting heatwave thresholds.
Crabtree continued: “The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest.”
Health alerts issued across England
In response to the extreme temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts across England, remaining in place until 9pm on Saturday. Amber alerts are now active in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South West, and South East. Only North East England remains under a yellow alert.
Full list of areas set to hit 33C today
The Met Office has named the following 25 locations expected to reach 33C on Thursday, July 9:
- London
- Hounslow
- Slough
- Reading
- High Wycombe
- Stevenage
- Didcot
- Oxford
- Bicester
- Newbury
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Witney
- Faringdon
- Banbury
- Andover
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Worcester
- Evesham
- Northampton
- Wellingborough
- Peterborough
- Ely
- Huntingdon
- Cambridge
- Devizes
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.
