Weather records continue to be shattered in 2026 as the Met Office records temperatures of at least 35C in May, June and July of the same year for the first time in the UK.
May and June both saw sweltering heatwaves, with temperatures reaching a high of 37.7C last month. That beat the previous June record dating back to the summer of 1976.
The highest temperature so far in July came last Thursday, at 35.5C in Wisley, Surrey – and the hot spell shows little signs of slowing down.
While temperatures will ease slightly from the peak, many southern and western areas are expected to remain hot throughout the week.
Facing the third consecutive heatwave of the year, many Britons are left wondering how much longer they can expect the high heat to last. Here’s what we know about the weeks ahead:
How hot will this heatwave be?
Areas of England and Wales are set to continue exceeding 30C in the second week of July, the Met Office has said.
After a sunny and very warm start on Monday, Tuesday will bring more sunshine, with low cloud in the North East but clear skies everywhere else.
It will then be “dry, sunny and very warm” from Wednesday to Friday for most regions, according to the forecaster.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates, said “The overall pattern continues to remain settled with large amounts of sunshine though this week, and temperatures peaking around 30C–32C across parts of England and Wales.
“In terms of rain, there’s a chance of some showers and thunderstorms in isolated spots in the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday, but these are likely to be sporadic in nature, and many people won’t see any rain this week.
"By the weekend, high pressure builds back in from the northwest, reducing the shower risk and bringing a return to more widely settled, dry and still warm conditions. Temperatures ease slightly by Saturday compared with the midweek peak, but continues to remain fine and warm for many areas.”
Natural England’s fire severity index has put large parts of England at “very high” risk of wildfires.
When will the heatwave end?
Although temperatures are set to trend down very slightly this week, many areas will stay dry, fine and very warm.
And there is no clear end to the current heatwave and very warm temperatures, according to the Met Office.
Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster, said last week: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.
“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the South, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the South West.
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the South West – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.
“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 South West.”
What will the impact of this heatwave be?
Several yellow heat alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place until 9pm on Friday 17 July. Only Yorkshire and the North East are unaffected.
This means impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
The UKHSA said similar significant impacts are possible across these areas, and warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents across England, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said people should “take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun”.
He added: “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.”
National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates over the coming days because of the heatwave.
Vehicle breakdown rescue companies are also likely to be busier than usual because of the high temperatures.
Drivers are advised to carry plenty of water and conduct essential vehicle checks before setting off, particularly tyre pressures and their levels of coolant and oil.
Tony Rich, a spokesperson for the AA on road safety, said: “With temperatures expected to climb into the low thirties across parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as they would ice or heavy rain.
“A few simple checks before setting off can make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check your coolant level and carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets.”
The Met Office said UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week, and advised people to ensure they use sun protection.
The forecaster further warned pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas this week.
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