The Met Office has confirmed that the third heatwave of 2026 will sweep across the UK this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 35C in isolated locations. However, the forecaster expects the hot spell to break by early next week, with conditions trending down slightly.
Heatwave Conditions and Temperature Forecast
According to the Met Office, areas of southeast England are expected to meet official heatwave criteria by the end of Monday. Southern parts of the UK will see highs of around 32C on Monday and Tuesday, rising to 33C on Wednesday, 34C on Thursday, and potentially 35C on Friday and Saturday in isolated spots. The forecaster noted that this heatwave will be less humid than the one experienced in June.
Duration and Weekend Outlook
The Met Office stated that the "very warm conditions" are likely to persist into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms. In a new update, the forecaster added: "Into early next week, temperatures are likely to trend down slightly, although many areas will stay dry, fine and still warm."
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster's Comments
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: "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 and Regional Variations
Keates also highlighted that night-time temperatures will not be as high as in June, though larger urban areas may remain in the high teens Celsius overnight, especially later in the week. There is a chance that a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20°C) may be recorded in a few places. "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," he said. He advised: "With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun."
June 2026 Record Temperatures
Provisional Met Office statistics show that June 2026 was England’s warmest June on record for average mean temperature, while the UK and Wales recorded their second warmest June in a series dating back to 1884. June 2026's minimum temperature was more than 2C above average across the UK, while England recorded overnight temperatures 2.6C above average. Northern Ireland saw its second highest minimum temperature since 1884.
