Weather maps indicate that the United Kingdom may experience its fourth heatwave of the year before the end of July, with temperatures expected to surpass 30C once again in many parts of England. Currently, Britons are enduring the ninth day of the third heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching 30.1C in Hurn, Dorset on Monday, marking the ninth consecutive day of temperatures exceeding 30C in various locations across the country.
The ongoing July heatwave has lasted longer than the June heatwave, which endured for seven days in 2026. However, the June heatwave experienced higher temperatures and humidity due to a ‘heat dome,’ resulting in record-breaking temperatures. In 2026, there have been a total of 24 days when temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK: seven in May, eight in June, and nine in July, matching the number of 30C-plus days in 1976, known for its memorable heatwave and drought conditions.
Although the Met Office forecasts a decrease in temperatures towards the end of this week and into the next, long-term weather forecasts from WXCharts suggest that temperatures could rise above the heatwave threshold in several regions starting from Friday, July 24, escalating over the following weekend with highs of 32C predicted for Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.
WX Charts weather projections indicate temperatures ranging from 30C to 32C in central and southern England, the Midlands, parts of Wales, the North West, and Yorkshire on Sunday, July 26. Subsequently, temperatures are expected to exceed 30C in London, the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire on Monday, July 27.
With a significant portion of the summer still ahead, 2026 has the potential to approach the record set in 1995 when the UK experienced 34 days of temperatures exceeding 30C. Despite this, 2026 has already marked a milestone by recording temperatures of 35C or higher on six separate days and witnessing a record nine days above 34C.
The current heatwave, as per the Met Office, is anticipated to persist across much of the UK this week, with temperatures possibly reaching highs of 33C in parts of southern-central England by Wednesday. Towards the latter part of the week, temperatures are expected to moderate, dropping to the mid to high-20s for many by Saturday.
Looking ahead to the upcoming week, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkall stated, “Temperatures will gradually decrease, making it less hot. Highs are likely to settle in the high 20s, with temperatures above 30°C becoming less probable by Friday compared to earlier in the week.” Additionally, temperatures are projected to decline further on Saturday, while remaining dry.