Greater Manchester is forecast to be hotter than the Spanish holiday island of Tenerife this week as the UK experiences its third heatwave of 2026. The Met Office has predicted that temperatures in the region will reach 32°C on Friday, July 10, exceeding the 24°C expected in Tenerife on the same day.
Peak Temperatures Expected Thursday and Friday
The highest temperatures across the UK are expected on Thursday and Friday, with widespread highs exceeding 30°C in England and Wales. Thursday could see 35°C, and Friday may reach 36°C in some locations, according to the Met Office. Saturday might see 34°C in southwest England, and Sunday could reach 33°C, before a gradual cooldown.
However, the Met Office noted that this heatwave will not feel as intense as the one in late June due to lower humidity levels. This will allow some areas to cool more readily overnight, though very warm nights may still make sleeping uncomfortable in some towns and cities.
Comparison with Tenerife
Greater Manchester's forecast highs include 29°C on Thursday, 32°C on Friday, 29°C on Saturday and Sunday, then 26°C on Monday and 27°C on Tuesday. In contrast, Tenerife is set to peak at 27°C on Thursday, 24°C on Friday, 23°C on Saturday, 22°C on Sunday, and 23°C on Monday and Tuesday. This means Manchester will be 8°C hotter than Tenerife on Friday.
Heat Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts due to the forecast. Amber alerts are in place for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West, while yellow alerts cover the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West. The alerts are active from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, until 9pm on Sunday, July 12.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather." He added that high pressure will remain dominant, shifting northwards, with an easterly wind developing in the south, focusing the hottest conditions on the southwest. Some areas that have seen the highest temperatures will begin to cool, but the southwest will remain very warm, potentially meeting heatwave thresholds.
Outlook for Next Week
Crabtree continued: "The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest." The heat health alerts indicate that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
