A fourth heatwave is expected in the UK this week, with southern England likely to reach 32C or 33C and meet heatwave criteria on Wednesday. The country experienced a brief respite over the weekend but temperatures are rising again.
Southern England to Hit 33C
Parts of southern England will yet again meet their heatwave criteria on Wednesday, with highs of 32C or 33C forecast. The Met Office senior operational meteorologist Dan Stroud said July 2026 could be among the hottest three or four months of July on record.
North-South Split Continues
Liverpool is not expected to experience heatwave conditions over the coming days. Forecasters expect a "north-south split", with clouds and outbreaks of rain continuing in Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England.
Wildfire Risk Elevated
Stroud warned: "In terms of wildfire, obviously the continuation of the dry and hot conditions does elevate the fire risk. That rain we've had, even though it's welcome rain for the last last few hours, is certainly not enough really to do a huge amount for the dry conditions we've already already got. That risk continues." Emergency crews have already spent days fighting large wildfires in Wales and Scotland that forced people to evacuate their homes. The latest heatwave has been drier and longer-lasting, and humidity levels are expected to fall as the fourth heatwave arrives.
Liverpool Weather Outlook
Temperatures in Liverpool will not reach those of previous heatwaves. The highest forecast is 25C on Wednesday and Thursday. BBC Weather's forecast said: "Winds will ease tomorrow morning which will start cloudy with local drizzle. Sunshine will break through for a time around midday before further cloud and some light drizzle develop by evening. A cloudy start both on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with light rain and some fog possibly in spots. Sunny spells will develop by the afternoon on both days. Thursday morning will start with some cloud and local fog before sunny spells and showers develop by the afternoon. Generally cool but warmer on Wednesday."
What Is a UK Heatwave?
A UK heatwave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold for a particular location. The Met Office added: "Following a brief interruption, temperatures will rise once again through the week. A shift in the position of high pressure towards eastern Europe will help draw increasingly warm air northwards, allowing hot conditions to return across much of England and parts of Wales."
