The UK is bracing for its third heatwave of 2026, with the Met Office forecasting widespread temperatures of up to 35°C this week. Southeast England has already met the heatwave threshold after three consecutive days above 28°C, as confirmed by the Met Office on Monday, July 6.
Temperature Records and Heatwave Thresholds
This follows a June heatwave that broke temperature records for three consecutive days, including a new June high of 37.7°C. The upcoming heatwave is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with southern England and Wales likely to see 33-34°C, and a small chance of reaching 35°C in the hottest spots. The Met Office noted that coastal areas will remain cooler due to sea breezes, while by Friday, high pressure may shift to the North Sea, bringing an easterly breeze.
Regional Forecasts
Greater Manchester is forecast to reach 31°C on Friday, after 28°C on Wednesday and 30°C on Thursday, then dropping to 29°C on Saturday and 26°C on Sunday and Monday. For the North West, the heatwave threshold is three consecutive days of 25°C or more, making this the third heatwave in seven weeks for the region.
Thunderstorm Risk and Humidity
The Met Office warned of potential thunderstorms later in the week, particularly from Thursday night into Friday, though confidence in exact locations remains low. However, humidity levels are expected to be lower than the June heatwave, making overnight temperatures more comfortable. A Met Office spokesperson said: "Humidity levels are generally lower, which should help keep overnight temperatures somewhat more comfortable than during previous hot spells."
Health Alerts and Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West, and yellow alerts for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West. These alerts are in effect from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, to 9pm on Sunday, July 12.
The Met Office added: "As often happens during prolonged hot spells, there is an increasing possibility of some heavy thundery showers developing later in the week." Despite the high temperatures, the heatwave is not expected to feel as oppressive as June's, with lower humidity levels.
