The Met Office has confirmed that the scorching weather conditions affecting much of the UK will persist "until at least next week." Temperatures in parts of England and Wales are forecast to exceed 30°C on Sunday and into the following week.
Temperature Records and Forecast
A provisional maximum daily temperature of 33°C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday. Merseyside saw highs of 30°C on Saturday, with Sunday (July 12) expected to reach 29°C and the rest of next week peaking at 28°C. The UK has already seen temperatures of 35°C on six separate days in 2026, breaking the previous record of five days set in 1976 and 2020. This year is also the first to record temperatures of 35°C or higher across three calendar months, and has set a new record for the most days at 34°C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
Health Alerts and Warnings
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 potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Yellow alerts are in place for the East Midlands, the North West, the South East, the East of England, and London for the same period. The UKHSA warned of a possible increase in water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning, following three recent water-related deaths in England.
Wildfire and UV Risks
Emergency services have warned of an "extreme" risk of wildfires this weekend. The Met Office also forecasts "high" or "very high" UV levels, with a UV index of eight expected for most of England and Wales on Sunday. Pollen levels are predicted to be "high" or "very high" in some areas, particularly in Wales and the South West of England.
Expert Advice
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." He also noted that strong winds could develop on the south coast in the coming days, so beachgoers should be mindful of waves.
