Brits are bracing for a potential 'three-month summer sizzler' as weather experts warn that the UK could face multiple additional heatwaves this year, with the all-time temperature record of 40.3C at risk of being shattered. The country has already entered its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures forecast to hit 35C this week, according to the Met Office.
Third Heatwave Already Underway
The Met Office confirmed on Monday that the Southeast of England has officially met heatwave criteria after three consecutive days above 28C. Temperatures peaked at 34C in Teddington, southwest London, and are expected to rise further, with the East of England likely to be the warmest region on Thursday and Friday. The forecaster warned that more regions are expected to reach their local heatwave thresholds as the week progresses.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates advised: 'With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun.' Pollen levels are also predicted to be 'very high' for most UK regions, including as far north as Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Scottish Borders, prompting hayfever sufferers to take extra measures such as showering throughout the day to remove pollen from the skin.
Experts Warn of Prolonged Heat
Jim Dale, senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, told the Mirror: 'The odds strongly suggest we will go in and out of heatwaves [mainly in] for the next few months, given there is plenty of the summer to go - including September, which is the new summer month.' He attributed the prolonged heat to climate change and a super El Niño event this year.
Dale explained: 'Plus climate change continues unabated, ocean and sea temperatures at or approaching record temperatures, and the unknowns of the super El Niño will very likely keep us and much of the northern hemisphere on the boil, literally.' He noted that historically, the last week of July and the first week of August are the hottest times of year, adding: 'The 40.3C all-time record will also be on a cliff edge across the period.'
Record-Breaking Temperatures Possible
The current all-time UK temperature record of 40.3C was set in July 2022. Dale warned that this record could be broken in the coming weeks, stating: 'The 40.3C all-time record will also be on a cliff edge across the period.' He suggested that heatwaves could persist through most of July, especially in southern counties, and extend into early August and even early September.
'The heat is on, on, on and on,' Dale said, indicating that the UK may experience a prolonged period of warm weather. The Met Office has not yet issued an official forecast for the remainder of the summer, but the current heatwave is expected to bring extensive sunshine and light winds to many southern areas.
Public Health Advice
As temperatures rise, health officials are urging the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. The high pollen levels also pose a risk to hayfever sufferers, who are advised to keep windows closed and use antihistamines if necessary.
