The Met Office has confirmed that the current heatwave conditions across the UK will persist throughout the week, with temperatures expected to reach the high 20s Celsius. After a scorching weekend where temperatures exceeded 30C in many areas, the third heatwave of the year shows no immediate signs of abating.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in 2026
According to the Met Office, 2026 has become the first year on record to experience temperatures of 35C on six separate days. This surpasses the previous record set in both 1976 and 2020, when five days exceeded 35C. Additionally, this year is the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher in three different calendar months, and has already recorded nine days with temperatures of 34C or above, the highest number ever recorded in a single summer.
Regional Forecast for the North West
In the north west of England, including Merseyside, the weekend saw temperatures reach 34C. However, the forecast for this week indicates a maximum of 29C on Tuesday. The Met Office outlook for the region states: "Largely dry and settled throughout with plenty of sunshine. A small chance of a few thunderstorms, especially later in the week. Staying very warm by day and warm by night."
Milder conditions are expected over the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday forecast to be around 21C. The daily forecast for Liverpool this week is as follows: Monday 27C, Tuesday 28C, Wednesday 29C, Thursday 27C, Friday 25C, Saturday 21C, and Sunday 21C.
When Will the Heatwave End?
Meteorologist Honor Criswick commented: "For the time being it looks like the heatwave is set to continue, but depending on where you are, there may be a brief respite in the heat to come." While some parts of the country might see a little rain, the heatwave conditions are expected to last into the coming week for much of the UK.
