The Met Office has named seven areas in southwest England that could see temperatures soar to 34°C on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as the current heatwave shifts its focus from the southeast. While the peak of the hot weather is expected on Thursday and Friday, forecasters predict that Saturday will bring the highest temperatures to the southwest, with 33°C possible on Sunday before a gradual cooldown.
Areas Facing 34°C on Saturday
The full list of areas expected to experience 34°C on Saturday includes Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. According to the Met Office, these regions will bear the brunt of the heat as high pressure moves northwards, establishing an easterly wind in the south and concentrating the hottest conditions in the southwest.
Deputy Chief Forecaster's Insights
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree acknowledged that many are eager to know when the hot spell will end. While temperatures will ease in southeast England through the weekend and into next week, he stated: "It won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather. High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest."
Crabtree added: "As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places."
Extended Warmth and Thunderstorm Risk
The overall forecast indicates continued fine, dry, and very warm weather for many parts of the UK into next week. However, the Met Office warns of a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest. The current heat surge is expected to peak for many on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures widely exceeding 30°C across England and Wales.
Dominant High Pressure System
The Met Office noted that a dominant area of high pressure will keep conditions largely dry across much of the UK in the coming days, with lengthy spells of sunshine expected for most areas. This week's heatwave, the third for many, is forecast to be less hot and less humid compared to the previous one.
