Met Office Issues Red Heat Alert as UK Braces for 40°C Temperatures

The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat alert as temperatures could reach 40°C this week. Amber and red health warnings are also in place, with danger to life for vulnerable people.

Brit Brief 22/06/2026 10:23

Met Office Issues Red Heat Alert as UK Braces for 40°C Temperatures — Met Office Red Heat Alert: UK Braces for 40°C

Red and Amber Heat Alerts Issued as UK Prepares for Scorching Temperatures

The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat alert for parts of the UK, including Wales, the Midlands, and southern England, as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40°C this week. A wider amber heat alert covers Greater Manchester, north-west England, and other areas. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued amber and red heat-health warnings, indicating a danger to life, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Temperature Forecast: When and Where It Will Peak

Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly on Monday (June 22), reaching 34°C in southern parts of England. The Met Office has warned of possible thundery showers later on Monday. The heat will intensify on Tuesday (June 23), with highs of 37°C forecast for southern England and 35°C in south-east Wales. The peak of the heatwave is predicted for Wednesday and Thursday (June 24 and 25), when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39°C, with a chance of exceeding this in some locations. By Friday, temperatures will cool slightly, with highs of 32°C forecast across eastern areas.

Overnight Heat and Humidity Add to Health Risks

The Met Office has warned that overnight temperatures will remain very high, not dropping below 20°C in parts of England and Wales, especially in urban areas. Humidity is also a factor, making the heatwave more impactful, with heat stress posing a danger to all. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat. The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity. As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”

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Areas Forecast to Reach 38°C or Higher

Met Office weather maps show temperatures reaching 38°C across several parts of the UK. On Wednesday, forecasts indicate 38°C in London and surrounding areas including Oxford and Reading, as well as south-west areas such as Devizes and Bath. On Thursday, more areas are expected to hit 38°C or higher, including parts of the Midlands and Wales. Below are 35 UK areas forecast to reach 38°C this week: