The Met Office has confirmed that very warm temperatures could return to the UK by the start of August, after a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather. The national weather service said temperatures are expected to be near or above normal, with the warmest conditions in the south, and added: "Perhaps becoming very warm again by the start of August."
Recent Heatwave Breaks Records
On Friday, the Met Office reported that temperatures in the UK exceeded 30°C for the 13th day in a row, with 31°C recorded at Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. This follows 28 days in 2026—both consecutive and non-consecutive—when 30°C has been exceeded somewhere in the UK.
David Hayter, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, said earlier this week: "The high pressure, which has brought this prolonged fine spell, will continue for the next week or so at least, but will shift enough to enable a more northerly flow that will introduce a cooler feel that will end the run of 30°C days."
Outlook for Late July and Early August
The Met Office said it is too soon to say whether heatwave conditions will continue towards the end of July. In its outlook for Liverpool, it stated: "Cloudier than recent days, though sunny spells will develop through the afternoon. Cloudiest in the north and northwest, with some light rain or showers. Warm in central and southern Britain." For Tuesday to Thursday, the forecast added: "Staying settled through the week with patchy cloud and the odd shower in the north. Staying warm to very warm with temperatures in the mid to high 20s."
The long-range forecast as the UK approaches the end of July and the beginning of August indicates more unsettled weather with rain at times, especially across northern parts. However, confidence lowers towards the turn of the month, with signs that high pressure could return, bringing dry conditions.
Wildfire Risk and Water Restrictions
Due to the hot and dry conditions, the public is urged to "play their part" in reducing wildfire risk. National Resilience data shows nearly 499 wildfires have been recorded across England and Wales between January 1 and July 16. While this is below the 748 seen at the same point last year, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said wildfire activity remains significantly higher than in recent years. By comparison, 81 wildfires were recorded in 2024, 242 in 2023, and 400 in 2022.
The high temperatures have also led to several hosepipe bans in large areas of southern England as water supplies come under strain. Reservoir storage levels in England are currently at 79%, around five percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year, according to the Environment Agency's weekly dry weather and drought report released on Friday.
