The Met Office has confirmed that the UK's current heatwave will persist "until at least next week," with temperatures in parts of England and Wales continuing to exceed 30C on Sunday and into the coming days. A provisional maximum of 33C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday, according to the forecaster.
Record-Breaking Heat
2026 has become the first year where temperatures of 35C were recorded in the UK on six separate days, breaking the previous record of five days held by 1976 and 2020. This year also became the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher across three calendar months, and set a new record for most days at 34C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster, told the Press Association: "Today, 33C is still well above average for the time of year. The very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK until at least next week."
Health Alerts and Wildfire Risks
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the West Midlands and the South West, from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday. These indicate significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Yellow alerts are in place for the East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England, and London for the same period.
The London Fire Brigade has raised the wildfire risk in London from "elevated" to "extreme," urging people not to use disposable barbecues. The Metropolitan Police has also expressed concern about excessive emergency calls during England's World Cup match against Norway on Saturday evening, urging the public to call 999 only for immediate danger.
Water Safety and Tragedies
Three people have died in water-related incidents in recent days. An 18-year-old man's body was recovered from a weir near Derby, another 18-year-old died at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and a woman's body was found at the Falls of Falloch in Stirling. The UKHSA warned of potential increases in water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
Mr Snell advised: "During the hot weather, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on friends and family. If you’re planning on enjoying the seaside, check the water temperature. The water still can be quite cold so make sure you’re fully aware of that to avoid cold water shocks."
Hosepipe Bans
Water companies have introduced hosepipe bans across several regions. Southern Water implemented restrictions for about one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Friday, followed by Anglian Water for five million customers in the east of England on Saturday. Cambridge Water announced a temporary ban for its 350,000 customers, the first in three decades, with enforcement starting next week. South East Water was the first to introduce a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent.
The Met Office also warned of high to very high UV levels, with a UV index of eight forecast for most of England and Wales on Sunday, and high pollen levels in Wales and the South West.
