Weather forecasting models indicate that the UK could experience another heatwave next week, with temperatures potentially reaching as high as 36C. This comes after a brief cooldown over the weekend, which is expected to end the third heatwave of 2026.
Weekend Cooldown Ends 13-Day Streak
The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will drop to 28C in southern areas and 24C in northern regions on Saturday. Sunday's peak temperatures are expected to be around 26C in the south and 24C in the north. This cooldown will break a 13-day streak of consecutive 30C days and may bring temperatures below the heatwave threshold, ending the UK's third official heatwave of 2026. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the threshold for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 28C in the south-east to 25C elsewhere.
GFS Model Predicts Fourth Heatwave
The GFS weather model suggests that a fourth heatwave could be imminent. Data shows temperatures may surge to 30C or 31C in western areas next Friday, with the mercury reaching 29C as far north as Yorkshire. Maps for Saturday next week indicate potential highs of 33C in southern England, with parts of Wales near the England border possibly reaching 29C or 30C. The Midlands and East Anglia could see temperatures as high as 32C.
Sunday Peak: 36C Possible
The warmest conditions are expected on Sunday next week, with the GFS model showing potential highs of 35C to 36C across southern and central England, stretching from Gloucestershire to East Anglia. Wales and northern England could hit 33C or 34C. The following Monday also looks set to be warm, with data showing highs of 33C possible in eastern England and South Yorkshire, while the north-west could reach 31C.
Temperature Anomaly Maps Show Extreme Heat
Temperature anomaly maps for this period show the UK—particularly England and Wales—shaded in dark red, indicating temperatures well above the seasonal average. In total, the GFS model shows 16 English counties could see temperatures of 35C or more next week. These counties are: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk.
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office says Saturday should be “less hot” than this week, though conditions will be “largely fine with bright or sunny spells”. It adds: “[There will be] cloud spreading southwards could bring isolated showers that may turn thundery.” For Sunday, temperatures are expected to be “near the seasonal norm”, with most areas remaining “fine and dry”, although “patchy rain [is] possible in the north”. The Met Office expects temperatures to “trend above” the seasonal norm again next week.
