The Met Office has announced that the UK's third heatwave of the year will bring temperatures as high as 35°C, with the scorching conditions likely to persist into the weekend before easing early next week.
Southeast England is expected to experience official heatwave conditions by the end of Monday, with the mercury rising steadily through the week. Southern regions can expect highs of approximately 32°C on Monday and Tuesday, climbing to 33°C on Wednesday, 34°C on Thursday, and some isolated spots possibly hitting 35°C on Friday and Saturday.
Less Humid Than June's Heatwave
The Met Office noted that conditions this week are anticipated to be less humid compared to June's heatwave. In a statement, the forecaster indicated that the "very warm conditions" will probably extend into the weekend, albeit with rising humidity and an increasing possibility of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
It added: "Into early next week, temperatures are likely to trend down slightly, although many areas will stay dry, fine and still warm."
Amber Heat Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts across six regions in England: East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West. The amber alert means "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups."
Not Record-Breaking, Says Met Office
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates commented: "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions - the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking."
He added: "Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s Celsius, and a few places could reach 34-35C later this week. Night-time temperatures again will not be as high as what we experienced in June, though some larger urban areas are likely to remain in the high teens Celsius overnight, especially later in the week, and there is a chance that a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20C) may be recorded in a few places."
Heat Extends to Scotland and Northern Ireland
Keates continued: "Much of England and Wales will be hot, and the heat will extend to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland too, though here peak temperatures are more likely to be in the upper 20s Celsius. With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun."
June 2026: England's Warmest on Record
Provisional Met Office figures reveal that June 2026 was England's warmest June on record for average mean temperature, while the UK and Wales registered their second warmest June in records stretching back to 1884. Minimum temperatures in June 2026 were more than 2°C above average across the UK, with England recording overnight temperatures 2.6°C above the norm. Northern Ireland experienced its second highest minimum temperature since 1884.
