Record-Breaking Heat Continues Across UK
The United Kingdom is experiencing unprecedented heatwave conditions, with 2026 becoming the first year on record to log six separate days with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. Forecasters predict that sweltering conditions will persist, with areas of England and Wales expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius throughout the weekend and into next week.
According to the Met Office, Saturday is expected to see highs of 32-34 degrees Celsius in Wales and south-west England. Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency remain in place across large parts of England until Sunday.
Thunderstorm Warnings and Regional Variations
While most regions will stay dry and sunny, the Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south. Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter stated: 'Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C. While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30s through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK.'
Hayter added that eastern coastal areas may experience slightly cooler and cloudier conditions, while southern areas will become windier, especially along coasts and headlands. Northern Scotland is the main exception, with a cold front bringing rain, cloud, and heavy downpours on Friday, though conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.
New Temperature Records Set
The Met Office confirmed the new records after temperatures peaked at 35.2 degrees Celsius at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon. The previous record for the most days with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius was held jointly by 1976 and 2020, with five days each. This year has also become the first to see temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or higher in three calendar months, and has broken the record for the most days with temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius or higher, with nine so far this summer.
Hosepipe Bans Affect Millions
Water companies have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and areas of Kent. The strain on water supplies has intensified after successive heatwaves followed a record warm spring for England and Wales. The UK faces growing pressure on its water system as human-driven climate change disrupts rainfall patterns and drives more extreme weather events, compounded by population increases and years of under-investment in infrastructure, including no new reservoirs built in 30 years and leaking pipes.
Hosepipe restrictions came into force on Friday for about one million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. On Friday morning, Anglian Water also announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the east of England. The ban will come into force from 1am on Saturday, but the utility has asked people to 'live within the spirit of these restrictions immediately.'
Cambridge Water Imposes First Ban in 30 Years
In a notice on Thursday afternoon, Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, which came into effect immediately, though enforcement will not start until 1am on July 17. This marks the first time in three decades the company has introduced such a restriction, with teams working around the clock to maintain supplies. South East Water became the first to introduce a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
