The Met Office has warned that a UK city will be hotter than Barbados this week, with temperatures forecast to reach 34C. London is expected to hit 34C on Monday, July 6, 2026, making it warmer than Barbados, which is predicted to peak at 29C. The UK capital will also surpass Ibiza, Athens, and Rome in temperature.
Third Heatwave of the Summer
This marks the third heatwave of the summer for the UK. The Met Office stated that heatwave criteria—three consecutive days of abnormally hot weather—will likely be met this week. A seven-day health warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) came into force on Saturday, July 4, for parts of England, indicating that high temperatures could pose a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Health Alerts and Regional Impact
The UKHSA issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East, South East, South West (including London), and West Midlands, effective from midday Saturday until 8pm on July 11. Minor impacts on health and social care services are expected, including increased use by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life. The agency also warned of a potential rise in water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning.
Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: "We have got a heatwave on the way across parts of southern England and Wales, temperatures are already quite high across the South East... Elsewhere, it's not as hot as we have got temperatures closer to average but they will climb as we go into next week."
Comparison with Previous Heatwave
The prolonged spell of hot weather is expected to be less intense and humid than last month's record-breaking heatwave. In June, the UK set a provisional temperature record of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous high set in 1976 by over 2C. That heatwave prompted a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office.
Hosepipe Bans and Water Restrictions
In response to the hot and dry conditions, Southern Water announced a hosepipe ban for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight starting July 10. South East Water also enforced a temporary ban for people in Kent on Friday, July 3. These measures aim to conserve water supplies amid the heatwave.
