The Met Office has confirmed that the scorching heatwave conditions experienced across much of the UK will persist “until at least next week.” Temperatures in parts of England and Wales are forecast to continue exceeding 30°C on Sunday and into the coming week, although a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday.
Record Temperatures and New Milestones
A provisional maximum daily temperature of 33°C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday, according to the Met Office. This comes as 2026 became the first year where temperatures of 35°C were recorded in the UK on six separate days, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, which each saw five days over 35°C. Additionally, 2026 is the first year to see temperatures of 35°C or higher across three calendar months, and it has broken the record for the most days with temperatures of 34°C or higher, with nine such days so far this summer.
Wildfire and Emergency Warnings
Emergency services have warned of an “extreme” risk of wildfires this weekend. The London Fire Brigade urged people not to use disposable barbecues due to the dry heat, noting that the risk in London grew from “elevated” to “extreme” on Saturday and will remain so until Monday. The Metropolitan Police also expressed concern about excessive emergency calls during England’s World Cup game against Norway on Saturday evening, urging the public to call 999 only for immediate danger or crimes in progress.
Health Alerts and Safety Advice
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the West Midlands and the South West, effective from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday. These alerts indicate significant impacts likely across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions. Yellow heat health alerts are in place for the East Midlands, the North West, the South East, the East of England, and London during the same period. The UKHSA also warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
Craig Snell, a forecaster at the Met Office, 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.”
Water Incidents and Fatalities
Three people have died in water-related incidents in recent days. An 18-year-old man was recovered from the water near a weir at Darley Abbey Mills, Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty. Another 18-year-old man died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday. Additionally, the body of a woman was recovered from the Falls of Falloch in Stirling, Scotland, after she got into difficulty on Friday evening.
UV and Pollen Levels
The Met Office has warned of “high” or “very high” UV levels this weekend, with a UV level of eight forecast for most of England and Wales on Sunday. Pollen levels are also expected to be “high” or “very high” in some areas, particularly in Wales and the South West of England.
Hosepipe Bans and Water Supply Strain
Water firms have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and areas of Kent. Southern Water imposed restrictions on Friday for about one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, followed by Anglian Water’s ban for five million customers in the east of England, effective from 1am on Saturday. Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, marking the first such restriction in three decades. South East Water became the first to introduce a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
