The United Kingdom may experience its hottest day of the year before the end of July, with weather forecasting models indicating temperatures could surge as high as 38°C in 15 English counties. The GFS weather model predicts that July 29 could surpass the current 2026 record of 37.7°C, recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26.
Temperature Forecast Details
According to the GFS model, temperatures will rise into the 30s on July 27, peaking at 33°C in western England and reaching 32°C widely across southern areas. On July 28, temperatures are expected to climb further, reaching 35°C in southern and western England, with highs of 34°C possible in the Midlands and eastern areas, and 31°C in northern regions.
Potential Hottest Day: July 29
The data suggests July 29 could be the hottest day of the year, with the mercury rising to 38°C across large parts of western, central, and eastern England. Highs of 37°C are forecast from the south up to Yorkshire. Temperature anomaly maps for that date show England and Wales shaded in dark red, indicating temperatures well above the seasonal average.
Counties Facing 38°C
The GFS model run indicates as many as 15 counties could reach 38°C on July 29, all in England: Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Berkshire.
Current Heatwave Streak
Friday marked the 13th consecutive day with temperatures reaching 30°C or more in the UK, according to the Met Office. That streak is expected to end on Saturday, with highs of 28°C forecast. Sunday is predicted to be the coolest day in over two weeks, with temperatures of 26°C in southern regions and 24°C in the north.
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office stated it is too soon to confirm whether heatwave conditions will persist beyond the next 10 days and towards the end of July. However, the forecast for July 22 to July 31 suggests more "above average" conditions are possible, with temperatures expected to be highest in the south.
