The Met Office has warned that parts of southern England could experience thunderstorms and showers on Wednesday and Thursday, even as a country-wide heatwave continues to bring hot weather and sunshine to large parts of the UK.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
2026 has become the first year to record 35°C on six separate days, breaking the previous record set in 1976 and 2020 when five days were recorded with temperatures over 35°C, according to the Met Office. This year is also the first to see temperatures of 35°C or higher in three calendar months, and broke the record for most temperatures of 34°C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
Wildfires Blaze Across UK
The hot temperatures combined with dry conditions have led to wildfires in several parts of the UK. Firefighters continue to battle a blaze in the moorlands near Dovestone Reservoir, Saddleworth Moor, which started on Saturday (July 11). Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has been called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days, declaring a major incident due to the impact of one fire at Tintwistle Moor on Sunday night. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to a “large fire in the open” on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday, while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said: "When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk. We’re asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished. A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start."
Heat Health Warnings
The Met Office said that conditions on Monday remained very warm or hot for southern and western areas, with temperatures reaching 31°C in the southwest and 28°C in Wales. Warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place this week until 9pm on Wednesday, warning of an elevated risk to people's health, particularly for vulnerable or elderly people, due to the heat.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, the Met Office said that temperatures are likely to peak around 30°C to 32°C across parts of England and Wales, with most places continuing to remain dry with plenty of sunshine.
Thunderstorms Expected in South
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “The overall pattern continues to remain settled with large amounts of sunshine though this week, and temperatures peaking around 30°C–32°C across parts of England and Wales.” Warning of some rain and thunderstorms, Keates added: “In terms of rain, there’s a chance of some showers and thunderstorms in isolated spots in the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday, but these are likely to be sporadic in nature, and many people won’t see any rain this week. By the weekend, high pressure builds back in from the northwest, reducing the shower risk and bringing a return to more widely settled, dry and still warm conditions. Temperatures ease slightly by Saturday compared with the midweek peak, but continues to remain fine and warm for many areas.”
