The UK's week-long July heatwave shows no signs of abating, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extending amber and yellow heat health alerts until Wednesday, July 15. Temperatures continue to top 30°C across most of the country, with London enduring tropical nights and pavements reaching 57°C.
Health alerts and wildfire warnings
The UKHSA has issued a second-highest amber alert for the West Midlands and South West, active from 9am Sunday until 9pm Wednesday. This indicates significant impacts on health and social care, including a rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing conditions. Yellow alerts cover the East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England and London over the same period.
The London Fire Brigade has urged the public not to use disposable barbecues and to extinguish cigarettes properly due to dry conditions. The wildfire risk level has been extended until at least Monday. Crews tackled a grass fire in Hornchurch Country Park, east London, while firefighters in West Sussex battled a forest fire at Devil’s Dyke.
Water restrictions and drought fears
Hosepipe bans are in place for millions east of London, including Essex, as drought concerns grow. The capital is under a limited use advisory. Three people have died in water-related incidents in recent days, and the UKHSA warned that sudden exposure to cold open water could lead to shock and drowning.
Temperature records shattered
A provisional maximum of 35°C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday, the Met Office confirmed. 2026 has become the first year with six separate days of 35°C or higher in the UK, breaking the previous record of five days set in 1976 and 2020. It is also the first year to see such temperatures across three calendar months, and has recorded nine days of 34°C or higher so far this summer.
When will the heatwave end?
Temperatures will surge close to 30°C in London, the South West and Wales on Monday, with northern England seeing mid-20s or below. High or very high UV levels are expected across the UK. Thundery showers are possible in parts of the south on Monday, but the week ahead remains dry, sunny and hot. Thunderstorms may become more widespread by Thursday, but temperatures will stay in the high 20s. A cooler north wind is expected toward the end of the week.
