The ongoing heatwave in the UK is expected to persist until at least next week, according to the latest forecast from the Met Office. Temperatures exceeding 30C are set to continue in parts of England and Wales through the coming days.
While some areas in the south may experience thunderstorms from Monday, the majority of regions are anticipated to remain dry, sunny, and exceptionally hot in the upcoming week. A peak temperature of 33C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday, with 2026 marking the first year to witness six separate days with temperatures over 35C in the UK.
Breaking the previous records set in 1976 and 2020, 2026 saw temperatures of 35C or higher across three calendar months and the most occurrences of 34C or above, totaling nine so far this summer. Emergency services have issued warnings about the extreme wildfire risk during the weekend, with the London Fire Brigade cautioning against disposable barbecues due to the dry conditions.
The Metropolitan Police expressed concerns about the potential surge in calls during England’s World Cup game against Norway on Saturday. They urged the public to reserve 999 calls for emergencies only, advising online reporting for non-urgent matters.
Craig Snell from the Met Office emphasized the need to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and check on loved ones during the hot weather. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring water temperatures, particularly along the coast, to prevent cold water shocks. Heat health alerts have been issued for various regions, with potential significant impacts on health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
Numerous water-related incidents have occurred, resulting in tragic fatalities, prompting the Met Office to caution about high UV levels and advise on sun protection. Hosepipe bans have been implemented in several areas due to strain on water supplies exacerbated by consecutive heatwaves following a record warm spring.
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