The United Kingdom has experienced temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the 13th consecutive day, according to the Met Office. On Friday, a high of 31.0C was recorded at Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. However, forecasters indicate this may be the final day of the current hot spell reaching 30C, as temperatures are expected to decline slightly over the weekend.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The current streak of 13 days above 30C falls short of the record 18 consecutive days set in 1976, a year marked by severe drought and water restrictions. So far in 2026, there have been 28 days (consecutive and non-consecutive) where temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK: seven in May, eight in June, and 13 in July. The record for the most 30C-plus days in a calendar year is 34, set in 1995.
Weather Outlook and Cooling Trend
David Hayter, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, stated: “The high pressure, which has brought this prolonged fine spell, will continue for the next week or so at least, but will shift enough to enable a more northerly flow that will introduce a cooler feel that will end the run of 30C days. However, we are still likely to see some locations remain in heatwave conditions to finish the week.”
Wildfire Risk and Public Appeal
Amid the heat, authorities are urging the public to help reduce wildfire risks. National Resilience data shows nearly 499 wildfires have been recorded across England and Wales between January 1 and July 16. While this is below the 748 seen at the same point last year, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) notes that wildfire activity remains significantly higher than in recent years. By mid-July, 81 wildfires were recorded in 2024, 242 in 2023, and 400 in 2022.
An NFCC spokesperson said: “Fire and rescue services have been working tirelessly over the past two weeks, responding to a sustained period of intense wildfire activity while continuing to answer the thousands of other emergency calls their communities rely on every day. While the number of active incidents has started to fall, the challenge is far from over. As schools break up for the summer and more people head outdoors, we are asking everyone to play their part in reducing the risk of fire.”
Rainfall Records and Drought Concerns
Central and south-east England have experienced the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century, according to Met Office figures. An average of zero rainfall was measured across weather stations in both regions for 14 consecutive days from July 2 to July 15. This is the longest dry spell for south-east England since a 15-day period in April 1997, and for central England since a 14-day run in June 1996. Data for July 16 may extend these records.
Water Supply and Reservoir Levels
Several hosepipe bans have been announced for large areas of southern England as water supplies face strain. Reservoir storage levels in England are currently at 79%, about five percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year, the Environment Agency reported. Six reservoirs are classed as “notably low,” including Wimbleball in Somerset, Grafham in Cambridgeshire, and Hanningfield in Essex, while Blagdon reservoir in Somerset is “exceptionally low.” No areas are currently in drought, but the Environment Agency is increasing drought response activities, and the National Drought Group is scheduled to meet on July 20.
Temperature Anomalies Across the UK
England has been particularly warm, with mean temperatures 2.4C above the average 21C. Wales is 2.2C above its average of around 19.3C. Scotland and Northern Ireland remain closer to seasonal norms but are still above average, at 0.9C and 1.3C respectively.
