Temperatures in London are forecast to reach 32C on Monday, with the capital bracing for a heatwave that could persist for up to 12 days, according to the Met Office.
Heatwave Duration and Thresholds
BBC Weather's forecast for London, as of Friday morning, predicts 12 consecutive days of temperatures hitting 28C or above, starting on Saturday. A heatwave in London is defined as at least three consecutive days where the maximum temperature reaches 28C. Forecasters at the Met Office indicate a growing area of high pressure will drive this warm spell, though conditions may be less intense than the late June heatwave.
Comparison to June Heatwave
This follows record-breaking temperatures at the end of June, when the mercury reached 37.7C in Norfolk on June 26, marking the hottest June day on record. June's heatwave equaled the historic heatwave of 1976, prompting a red weather warning for parts of England and Wales. May also saw a record, with temperatures climbing to 35.1C in Kew, London, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922.
Forecast Details
With high pressure positioned further west, westerly winds should help keep temperatures below June's extremes while reducing humidity levels. Southern and central areas are expected to enjoy a predominantly dry week, with temperatures in the high 20s and potentially exceeding 30C in parts of the South East. The Met Office notes that while heatwave thresholds are likely to be reached in southern and eastern England, the intensity may be more manageable than the previous heatwave.
Climate Change Context
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group found that 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.”
