The UK is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 35C in parts of south-east England on Wednesday July 29. An amber heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London, in place from Tuesday to Thursday. The agency warned that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Greater Manchester Forecast
In Greater Manchester, it will be cooler with highs of 24C expected amid sunny and cloudy conditions. The following days are forecast to see highs of 20C and 21C with more sunny intervals.
Wildfire Warnings
Amid the heatwave, fire chiefs have warned that wildfire risk remains elevated across the UK. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) reported that fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents between July 16 and 28 alone. The NFCC added that there are "currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems."
The latest figures, which do not account for wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a major fire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, show "how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather," the NFCC said.
