Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for multiple regions across England, as millions of Britons are set to bask in another heatwave with temperatures likely to soar to 30C during the weekend. The alerts cover East Midlands, West Midlands, London, the east, southeast and southwest of the country from 12pm this Saturday until 8pm on Saturday July 11. The UK Health Security Agency warned that health and social care services are likely to be affected.
Key Differences from June Heatwaves
According to the Met Office, the third heatwave will be different from the two the UK experienced in June. Last month, temperatures soared to the mid-30C, with the national forecaster also declaring the hottest June day on record. Commenting on the upcoming heat surge, the Met Office said: "Firstly, temperatures are not expected to reach the same extreme levels, and secondly, the heat will not be felt across the whole country."
Provisional data from the Met Office show that June 2026 was England’s warmest June on record for average mean temperature, while the UK and Wales recorded their second warmest June in a series dating back to 1884. Met Office Scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said: "June’s high temperatures are part of a broader pattern of warmth during 2026. So far, five of the first six months of the year have recorded mean temperatures at least 1C above average, with only January seeing below-average temperatures."
North-South Split Expected
Sharing more details about the weekend weather, the Met Office said: "A north-south split this weekend will bring warm sunshine to southern and eastern areas, while Scotland and Northern Ireland see cloudier, breezier conditions with rain at times, heaviest in northwest Scotland." An area of high pressure extending from the Azores will become increasingly influential through the weekend. While this will bring settled weather to many southern parts of the UK, a westerly airflow around the northern edge of the high will continue to push weather fronts across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.
"As a result, northern and north-western areas will continue to see periods of cloud, wind and rain, while much of southern England experiences largely dry conditions with some lengthy sunny spells," the Met Office added.
Tropical Nights and Record Warmth
According to the Met Office, the defining feature of June's heatwave was the exceptionally warm overnight temperatures, with frequent 'tropical nights' helping to drive the highest average June minimum temperatures on record for the UK, England and Wales. Scotland recorded its joint highest on record. The upcoming heatwave is not expected to feature such extreme overnight warmth, making it feel noticeably different from June's heat.
