The UK is braced for a sweltering start to the week with some parts of the country expected to be warmer than holiday hotspots in Greece – but thunderstorms could also be on their way.
Temperatures could reach 35C in the South East on Monday, according to the Met Office, as the UK’s record-breaking hot summer continues.
It would be warmer than forecasts for the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, which are expected to peak in the high 20s to low 20s.
The Met Office’s latest forecast says that the day is expected to be “very hot” in the south of England, but some “isolated thunderstorms” are possible in the evening.
Much of central and southern England is expected to see highs in the upper 20s to low 30s before temperatures ease slightly later in the week.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms will also be in place for the entirety of Northern Ireland from midday on Tuesday to 9pm.
In response to the anticipated heat, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London from 9am on Monday until Wednesday morning.
Yellow heat health alerts will be in place for the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West over the same period.
Met Office map below shows where it will be hottest on Monday:
The heat and humidity is back on Monday and there's also some rain in the 4cast 👇 pic.twitter.com/b29BXdHTp5
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 2, 2026
About the week’s weather, Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said on Sunday: “We’re going with a headline of 34C on Monday, but with a potential for local 35C in the South East, the Midlands into the low 30s as well.
“So central and southern England, widely high 20s to low 30s, and approaching or if not touching, the mid 30s in the South East.
“Tomorrow is the peak of the heat; temperatures do come down a little bit, we’re still talking 28 to 30C on Tuesday. Again, the South East and East Anglia we’re seeing the highest temperatures on Tuesday, so not as extreme as tomorrow, but still well above average.”
He continued: “And then even by Wednesday, we’re looking at high 20s, 26 or 27C, in the South East.
“But it’s a gradual cooling down process through the week, and always cooler towards the North and West in any case, high teens, low 20s, but certainly central and South East England seeing hot weather returning briefly, and a lot of sunshine to come in the South East as well.”
Weather map below shows the UK’s forecasted temperatures for the week:
Mr Petagna said low pressure moving in from the West could bring rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with a chance of showers reaching the South East on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy rain, with weather warnings possible in parts of Scotland.
Wales is forecast to reach the high 20s on Monday before cooling to the mid-20s over the following days, he added.
Polly Ashmore of the UKHSA said: “Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.
“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather.”
Where storms could hit this week:
Met Office forecast for the week
Very hot in the South on Monday, unsettled in the North.
Monday
Largely dry in the South on Monday with sunny spells and feeling very hot. Cloudier further North and West with outbreaks of rain at times, particularly across Scotland.
Monday night
A few isolated thunderstorms are possible in southern England this evening. Otherwise, largely dry with a warm night. Cloudy elsewhere with outbreaks of rain and a risk of thunder.
Tuesday
Outbreaks of heavy rain in the North on Tuesday with a risk of thunder. Scattered showers in the South with the odd thunderstorm. Very warm and humid. Windy in the North.
Wednesday to Friday
Rather unsettled in the North over the next few days with rain or showers. Some showers in the South at first, but turning drier from Thursday.
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