The United Kingdom's prolonged heatwave shows no sign of abating as 2026 becomes the first year to record temperatures of 35°C on six separate days, surpassing the previous record of five days set in 1976 and 2020. Emergency services are warning of "extreme" wildfire risks over the weekend, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) urging the public to avoid using disposable barbecues.
Record Temperatures and Weekend Forecast
The Met Office confirmed that temperatures peaked at 35.2°C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon. Saturday is expected to see highs of 32–34°C 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. Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said: "Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30°C." He added that the focus of the heat will shift towards western parts of the UK, bringing cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas.
Wildfire Risks and Emergency Services
The LFB reported that the wildfire risk in London will escalate from "elevated" to "extreme" from Saturday to Monday, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed. LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall stated: "We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly." On Friday evening, a trackside blaze involving shrubbery near Stratford Station in east London caused rail line closures, with the fire brought under control by around 9:30pm. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue confirmed it was fighting two wildfires: a moorland fire near Arnfield Farm in Glossop and a separate fire on Tintwistle Moor.
Water Supply Strains and Hosepipe Bans
Water firms have implemented hosepipe bans across several regions. Southern Water's ban for about one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight came into force on Friday. Anglian Water announced a ban for its more than five million customers in the east of England, effective from 1am on Saturday. Cambridge Water imposed a temporary ban for its 350,000 customers, the first such restriction in three decades. South East Water introduced a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent. These measures follow a record warm spring for England and Wales, with successive heatwaves straining water supplies amid population growth and under-investment in infrastructure.
Heat-Related Incidents and Safety Advice
Tragically, Derbyshire Constabulary recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water near Darley Abbey Mills complex after two teenagers got into difficulty. Greater Manchester Police also reported a scene at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, following the death of an 18-year-old man on Friday. The Met Office advised people planning to enjoy the water this weekend to check water temperature to avoid cold water shock. The Metropolitan Police urged the public to avoid non-emergency 999 calls amid a surge during the hot weather, with England set to play Norway in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night.
Outlook for Next Week
The Met Office warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south, but overall another very dry week is expected. Hayter noted: "The main exception to the largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front is bringing rain, cloud and some heavy downpours on Friday. But conditions are expected to improve over the weekend." 2026 has also become the first year to see temperatures of 35°C or higher in three calendar months and broke the record for most temperatures of 34°C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
