UK Heatwave: 19 Counties to Soar Above 30C, Maps Turn Volcanic Red

Another heatwave will hit the UK at the end of the week, with 19 counties forecast to reach above 30C. Maps show deep volcanic red as temperatures climb to 31C in the south.

Brit Brief 20/07/2026 05:12

UK Heatwave: 19 Counties to Soar Above 30C, Maps Turn Volcanic Red — UK Heatwave: 19 Counties Above 30C, Maps Red

Another heatwave is set to sweep across the UK at the end of the week, with weather maps turning a deep volcanic red as 19 counties are forecast to reach temperatures above 30C. According to NetWeather maps, on Friday, July 24, highs of 31C are expected in the south, particularly in Greater London, Berkshire, and Cambridgeshire.

Counties Bracing for Scorching Heat

The following counties are forecast to hit 30C or above: Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire. Coastal areas like Sussex are expected to see many Brits heading to beaches over the weekend.

Comparison with Recent Heatwaves

While this heatwave is significant, it is not expected to break records. In June, Lingford in Norfolk reached 37.7C on June 26, setting a new record. The upcoming temperatures, though high, will be lower than that peak.

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The start of the week may see scattered showers in the north of England and Scotland, but warm conditions are forecast to return as the week progresses. The Met Office outlook for July 22 to July 31 suggests more above-average conditions are possible, with the highest temperatures unsurprisingly in the south.