The UK is bracing for its fourth heatwave of the summer as temperatures are expected to soar to 34C in the hottest parts of the country later this week.
Several amber and yellow heat alerts are in place as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned the rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Temperatures are forecast to rise to a sizzling 34C on Wednesday, after a sweltering and exceptionally dry June left the UK’s most parched regions without rain for weeks.
Forecasters are warning parts of the South and South East of England could see “exceptionally severe” wildfires spread this week due to the extremely hot and dry conditions.
Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between 16 July and 28 alone, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.
Parts of Wales have already declared drought status, while swathes of England are in “prolonged dry weather” status, which is the last stage before a drought is declared.
The Cairngorms in Scotland have been hit by a major wildfire while blazes have wrought destruction in mainland Europe this week.
Read MoreUK wildfire warning issued ahead of heatwave after more than 200 recorded in last two weeks
How hot London could get in fourth heatwave of summer
Here’s how you can manage heatwave anxiety
Waitrose sees surprise spike in winter dishes despite heatwave
How UK gardeners can help hedgehogs and other wildlife in the heatwave
Key Points
- UK preparing for wildfires similar to those that have torn through France and Spain
- Parts of the UK have gone without rain for 40 days ahead of fourth heatwave
- Weather forecast in full for Wednesday to Saturday
- 'Devastating' wildfires are 'stark reminder' of extreme climate challenges, Prince of Wales says
Mapped: Where will be the hottest today?
08:18 , Bryony GoochTemperatures are expected to peak in Chelmsford, Essex, at 34C today in what is expected to be the peak of the heatwave around 4pm.
Wildlife centres ‘fit to bursting’ with hedgehogs amid scorching weather
07:55 , Holly EvansAnimal rescue centres are “fit to bursting” with hedgehogs and foxes suffering from heatstroke during one of the hottest summers on record, the RSPCA said.
Gardeners are being urged to create shaded spaces for wildlife struggling to keep cool during the scorching weather as the fourth heatwave of the year looms.
The animal welfare charity said two baby hedgehogs were found “in distress” in a back garden in Somerset and brought into the nearby West Hatch Wildlife Centre, where they are being cared for along with “several other recent admissions” due to the heat.
Record-breaking temperatures were recorded in both May and June, and July has been 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data on the month so far.
Recent research from veterinary group Inspiring Vet Care found that in June this year its clinics treated 179 cases of suspected heatstroke – 66 per cent higher than the 108 cases treated in the same month two years prior.
Some 316 hedgehogs were admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres in June, a 56 per cent rise on the 202 admitted in the same month the previous year.
London park staff advised not to leave deck chairs under trees
07:40 , Holly EvansImages showed widespread brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched dry grass present in many parks in the capital following the hot weather.
It comes as Royal Parks staff were advised not to leave deckchairs under trees over fears branches will fall during hot weather.
Fire chiefs said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, adding that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”.
Fires could be exceptionally severe as temperatures rise to 34C
07:21 , Holly EvansA Met Office assessment showed fires could be exceptionally severe by Wednesday if they start in parts of London, the South East and eastern England, as a result of the hot, dry conditions.
Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.
It added that the latest figures, which do not account for wildfires across the rest of the UK such as a major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, show “how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather”.
Fire chiefs warned that wildfire risk “remains elevated across the UK”, with the NFCC adding there were “currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems”.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were continuing to “make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor” after 60 personnel were deployed on Tuesday.
While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded by the same point last year, fire chiefs warned “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas”, were creating conditions in which fires can start and spread rapidly.
Waitrose sees surprise spike in these dishes as heatwaves bring ‘feta fatigue’
07:00 , Joe MiddletonSupermarket giant Waitrose has reported a surprise increase in certain meals during the heatwaves scorching the UK.
Sizzling temperatures may make you think of leafy salads and sunripe fresh vegetables, - but somewhat surprisingly, sales of winter comfort foods, such as cottage pies, gratins and red wine are on the rise.
The grocer said sales of cottage pies were up 110 per cent while chicken and ham gratin and South African red wine were both up 68 per cent over the last month.
Meanwhile, recipe searches on Waitrose.com for spaghetti bolognese, toad in the hole and mac ‘n’ cheese were up 91 per cent, 67 per cent and 57 per cent respectively.
Waitrose sees surprise spike in winter dishes despite heatwave
Parts of the UK have gone without rain for 40 days ahead of fourth heatwave
06:00 , Joe MiddletonThe UK’s most parched regions have gone without rain for weeks, Met Office data has revealed.
Wisley, in Surrey, has had 40 consecutive “dry days”, in which no or only a trace of rain has been recorded, while Herstmonceux, West End, in East Sussex has had 37 dry days.
A number of other sites including Heathrow in London and spots in Worcestershire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire have all recorded more than 30 consecutive dry days.
You can read more below:
Parts of the UK have gone without rain for 40 days ahead of fourth heatwave
'Devastating' wildfires are 'stark reminder' of extreme climate challenges, Prince of Wales says
05:00 , Joe MiddletonThe Prince of Wales said “devastating” wildfires across Europe are a “stark reminder of the challenges posed by an increasingly extreme climate”.
Fire crews and planes are currently attempting to bring a huge wildfire under control in south-west France, with fires also burning out of control around Madrid and in the Valencia region of Spain.
The UK Government has also offered military support to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire in Scotland.
In a personally signed message on social media, William wrote: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires across France, Spain and the UK.
“We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, emergency services and volunteers working tirelessly in extraordinarily difficult conditions.
“These events are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by an increasingly extreme climate and the importance of protecting both people and nature.”
UK preparing for wildfires similar to those that have torn through France and Spain, minister confirms
04:00 , Joe MiddletonThe government is preparing for wildfires in the UK similar to those that have torn through France and Spain this summer, a minister has confirmed.
Blazes have wrought destruction in mainland Europe this week, with 220,000 forced out of their homes in southwest France and 116,000 evacuated in Spain.
Asked whether the UK is preparing for similar events, minister for intergovernmental relations Hamish Falconer, told Sky News: “Obviously there are wildfires in Scotland as well, and we’re in touch with the Scottish government about what support the British government can provide.
“But yes, we are preparing, and we know that we need to go further. These are incredibly concerning scenes around Bordeaux and in Spain.
“I think the Spanish government have been pretty clear that they think that the increasing ferocity of the wildfires that they face are a result of man-made climate change, and we do need to take those warnings very seriously indeed.”
You can read more below:
UK preparing for wildfires similar to France and Spain, minister says
Weather forecast in full for Wednesday to Saturday
03:00 , Joe MiddletonWednesday
Rather cloudy across the North, with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards into northern England during the afternoon. Dry and sunny across the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Thursday to Saturday
Thursday will be fresher with sunshine and perhaps the odd shower. Mostly dry on Friday and Saturday with further sunshine developing at times. Still warm in the sunshine.
Waitrose sees surprise spike in these dishes as heatwaves bring ‘feta fatigue’
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSupermarket giant Waitrose has reported a surprise increase in certain meals during the heatwaves scorching the UK.
Sizzling temperatures may make you think of leafy salads and sunripe fresh vegetables, - but somewhat surprisingly, sales of winter comfort foods, such as cottage pies, gratins and red wine are on the rise.
The grocer said sales of cottage pies were up 110 per cent while chicken and ham gratin and South African red wine were both up 68 per cent over the last month.
Meanwhile, recipe searches on Waitrose.com for spaghetti bolognese, toad in the hole and mac ‘n’ cheese were up 91 per cent, 67 per cent and 57 per cent respectively.
Waitrose sees surprise spike in winter dishes despite heatwave
Fire chiefs 'preparing for renewed wildfire risk'
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFire chiefs are preparing for the possibility of “severe” wildfires breaking out in England during the heatwave.
A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said: “With the Met Office warning that a fourth heatwave could develop this week, bringing another period of very hot weather to parts of the UK, fire and rescue services remain on alert and are continuing to prepare for renewed wildfire risk.”
Dramatic satellite images show devastating impact of UK’s record-breaking heatwaves
Wednesday 29 July 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK has experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, with a severe dry spell and sweltering weather turning the nation’s green landscape brown and dry.
Last month was England’s hottest June on record, the Met Office has confirmed, hitting 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk on the 26th. This surpassed the 35.6C set in 1957 and equalled the 1976 record.
Sweltering temperatures have continued into July, with 2026 marking the first time that temperatures have reached 35C in May, June and July in the same year.
Many parts of England are now at risk of drought due to prolonged hot and dry conditions, with land and rivers drying up across southern and eastern England.
Satellite images reveal the impact these conditions have had on the natural environment, with extensive browning of green spaces and farmland due to high evaporation and low rainfall.
You can see the images below:
Dramatic satellite images show devastating impact of UK’s record-breaking heatwaves
Watch: 'Come work with us fighting the fire' - Firefighter's message to climate deniers
Tuesday 28 July 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn focus: The bees are dying – and nine other ways hotter weather is changing the British countryside forever
Tuesday 28 July 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs new research shows that UK bumblebees are in sharp decline as a result of summer heatwaves, Helen Coffey says there are a number of other changes coming too. So what will the new normal look like?
From dying bumblebees to wasp spiders: How heatwaves are changing the countryside
Everything you need to know as South of England set to enter fourth summer heatwave
Tuesday 28 July 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane• The South of England is expected to enter its fourth summer heatwave this week as forecasters warned temperatures could soar to at least 34C.
• Southern and Eastern parts of England could experience “exceptionally severe” wildfires if they break out by Wednesday due to hot and dry conditions, the Met Office said.
• The government is preparing for wildfires in the UK similar to those that have torn through France and Spain this summer, a minister has confirmed.
• A number of amber and yellow heat health alerts are in place, with health chiefs saying vulnerable groups are particularly likely to be affected by the heatwave.
• London Fire Brigade said it had attended more than 1,300 incidents, including grass fires and a person rescued from the Thames, over the weekend as the hot weather continued.
• It comes after England’s hottest June on record.
Your views: Readers say Britain’s food shortages were man-made long before this drought
Tuesday 28 July 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
‘Scientists raised the alarm’: Readers say Britain’s food crisis is man-made
Wildlife centres ‘fit to bursting’ with hedgehogs amid scorching weather
Tuesday 28 July 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnimal rescue centres are “fit to bursting” with hedgehogs and foxes suffering from heatstroke during one of the hottest summers on record, the RSPCA said.
Gardeners are being urged to create shaded spaces for wildlife struggling to keep cool during the scorching weather as the fourth heatwave of the year looms.
Recent research from veterinary group Inspiring Vet Care found that in June this year its clinics treated 179 cases of suspected heatstroke – 66 per cent higher than the 108 cases treated in the same month two years prior.
Some 316 hedgehogs were admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres in June, a 56 per cent rise on the 202 admitted in the same month the previous year.
Amy Ockelford, a senior press officer at the RSPCA, told the Press Association that wildlife centres are operating at “maximum capacity” and are “fit to bursting”, and have seen an increase in admissions of hoglets and hedgehogs.
She said: “These animals are usually not out in the daytime, but they’re coming out because they’re struggling to find food and water, and ending up with heatstroke.”
The RSPCA employee encouraged people to think about wildlife as well as pets, adding: “Keep out clean, cool water for wildlife and try and create shaded areas where you can for them to avoid the direct sun.”
The eight UK areas at risk of drought after record-breaking heatwaves
Tuesday 28 July 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneParts of England are at risk of drought after record-breaking heatwaves have left a number of rivers and reservoirs “exceptionally low”.
The country is moving into its fourth heatwave this summer following the driest spring on record for England and Wales, with southern and eastern England having no rain at all this month.
Environment experts say the prolonged hot and dry conditions have dried up land, rivers, and streams, while demand for water has soared during the hottest days, warning that eight areas are now at risk of a drought.
You can find out which areas are at most risk below:
Mapped: The eight UK areas at risk of drought after record-breaking heatwaves
From June's heatwave: I’m a disaster responder and this week’s heatwave has exposed just how broken Britain really is
Tuesday 28 July 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSchools closing, hospitals declaring critical incidents and chaos on the roads and railways – as our creaking infrastructure melts under the pressure of extreme heat, government advisor, Lucy Easthope, explains why the wreckage of this week tells her we’ve left it too late to cope with what is coming next.
The hottest June on record shows Britain is broken and in denial about what’s coming
Weather forecast in full for Tuesday to Saturday
Tuesday 28 July 2026 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTuesday
Outbreaks of rain continue across northern areas, with some heavy bursts possible in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Elsewhere, it stays dry with sunny spells. The sunniest conditions are expected in the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Tuesday night
Cloudy across the North West, with a chance of rain. Dry across much of England and Wales with clear spells, and a few isolated mist and fog patches. Another warm night.
Wednesday
Rather cloudy across the North, with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards into northern England during the afternoon. Dry and sunny across the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Thursday to Saturday
Thursday will be fresher with sunshine and perhaps the odd shower. Mostly dry on Friday and Saturday with further sunshine developing at times. Still warm in the sunshine.
