Images of a dairy herd in bone-dry Kent and a scorched Henman Hill at Wimbledon highlight the severe drought facing swathes of the UK, with July the driest month ever recorded in southern England and no significant rainfall in sight.
Record Heat and Dry Conditions
The spring and summer of 2026 have seen two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, leading to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more in July as temperatures hit 34C. On Tuesday, the UK registered its 34th day of temperatures reaching 30C (86F) or higher in a calendar year, equalling the record set in 1995.
Eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England and Wales have been declared in drought, while over 23 million households have faced hosepipe bans brought in by nine water firms.
Forecast: Brief Respite, Then More Heat
A respite from the heat is expected over the next few days, but forecasters fear there are no signs of much-needed heavy rainfall except in Scotland. Next week, a sixth heatwave of 2026 could develop.
BBC lead weather presenter Matt Taylor explained: "Temperatures are set to drop across the UK over the next few days, ending the latest heatwave that has affected some areas of southern and eastern England. Humidity levels will fall too, which should cool down homes and make nights more comfortable for sleeping."
He added: "The change in conditions follows another historic day in a summer that has seen many long-standing heat records toppled or tied. On Tuesday, the UK registered its 34th day of temperatures reaching 30C (86F) or higher in a calendar year, equalling the record set in 1995. Forecasts suggest that this record is likely to be beaten as early as next week, with some showing the potential for a sixth heatwave to develop."
Cooler Days Ahead, But Wetter South?
Following another heat spike this week, temperatures are forecast to cool down to peaks of just 22C on Thursday in London and 17C in Glasgow. By the weekend, temperatures are expected to creep back up to the high 20Cs.
Towards mid-August, high pressure may become more dominant towards the north or northwest of the UK, with lower pressure at times further to the south or east. This could bring a greater chance of thundery showers in southern and eastern areas, and it will certainly be wetter in comparison to recent weeks.
