The Met Office has forecast a new heatwave for London, with temperatures expected to reach 32C on Monday and remain well above average into next week. This follows record-breaking temperatures at the end of June, when the mercury hit 37.7C in Norfolk on June 26, the hottest June day on record.
When Will the Heatwave Start?
Temperatures in London are predicted to hit 28C on Saturday, before rising to 32C on Monday. The Met Office forecasts a growing area of high pressure will bring steadily climbing temperatures day by day. While conditions are unlikely to match the intensity of late June, heatwave thresholds are likely to be reached in parts of southern and eastern England.
How Long Will It Last?
At the time of publication (6.30am on Saturday), the Met Office predicts seven straight days of temperatures between 28C and 32C. A heatwave is defined in London as at least three consecutive days where the maximum temperature reaches 28C. With high pressure positioned further west, westerly winds should help keep temperatures below the extremes recorded in June, while also bringing lower humidity levels.
What Areas Will Be Affected?
Many southern and central areas are likely to enjoy a predominantly dry week, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s and potentially topping 30C in parts of the South East. June equalled the historic heatwave of 1976, as a red weather warning was issued for parts of England and Wales. The string of record-breaking temperatures in June came after May's heatwave, when the mercury climbed to 35.1C in Kew, London, smashing the previous May record of 32.8C, which had stood since 1922.
Climate Change Context
Scientists warned the severity of last month’s heatwave – which affected much of mainland Europe as well as the UK – would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago. An analysis by the World Weather Attribution group found a similar heatwave occurring in the climate of 1976 would be 3.5C cooler and would not have seen the same daytime peaks and overnight temperatures as in 2026. Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, said: “Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”
