The United Kingdom is currently in the grip of its third heatwave of 2026, with the Met Office forecasting prolonged hot weather that could persist well into July. Following scorching temperatures in May and June, this month continues the trend with temperatures exceeding 30°C across much of the country, reaching around 32°C in southern and central England. Some regions could see highs of up to 35°C later this week.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Comments
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates stated: "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking." He added that while temperatures this week are not expected to reach last month's highs, parts of southern England could see several days in the low 30s Celsius, with a few places possibly reaching 34-35°C later in the week. Night-time temperatures will not be as high as in June, but larger urban areas may remain in the high teens Celsius overnight, with a chance of a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20°C) in a few locations.
Much of England and Wales will be hot, and the heat will extend to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, though peak temperatures there are more likely to be in the upper 20s Celsius. Keates advised: "With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun."
Regional Temperature Forecasts
In the northwest and Greater Manchester, highs will reach around 30°C by late afternoon on Wednesday, July 8. The Met Office says today will feel "very warm" with "strong July sunshine spreading to northern areas as the day progresses." After a misty start in places, Thursday, July 9, is set for a similarly hot day with "hazy sunshine and light winds," though conditions will be cloudier in Northern Ireland and north-west Scotland. The warm, sunny weather is forecast to continue on Friday and through the weekend across much of England and Wales, but it will be breezier.
Duration of the Heatwave
Looking ahead, the Met Office's long-range forecast predicts the hot weather will continue from Sunday, July 12, and well into next week. The Met Office states: "Southern areas are likely to start this period very warm, locally hot in the southwest, with heatwave conditions persisting. Somewhat cooler to the north and cloudy with periods of rain and drizzle in the far north." Into the following week, high pressure is likely to build to the north or northwest of the UK, bringing a lot of dry weather for many areas, though there may be an increased chance of showers or thunderstorms in the south.
Long-range WXCHARTS maps, as reported by The Mirror, also indicate the heatwave continuing into next week and beyond. Weather models suggest the heatwave, with temperatures above 30°C, could persist for over two weeks.
Extended Forecast and Potential Peak Temperatures
The GFS weather model shows maximum possible temperatures could reach 30°C or more every day until July 22, suggesting heatwave conditions will last for at least another 15 days. Temperatures are likely to surge above 35°C on several days between now and July 22. The data indicates highs of 36°C are expected this Friday in western parts of England, with most central and southern areas reaching at least 32°C. Similar highs could follow on Wednesday next week, with western parts of England possibly seeing 36°C again, and some parts of Wales and the far south of England hitting 35°C.
Saturday next week looks likely to bring the most widespread hot weather, with northern parts of England rising above 30°C. Highs of 37°C are possible in eastern parts of England, potentially making it the hottest day of this heatwave.
