The UK's third heatwave of 2026 shows no signs of abating as temperatures soar above 30C once more. England and Wales are bearing the brunt of the hot weather, with forecasters warning that isolated areas could reach mid-30s by midweek, peaking on Thursday.
Health officials have issued stark warnings, extending amber and yellow heat health alerts until 21:00 BST on 15 July. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted the potential for increased pressure on health services, with a worrying rise in fatalities among vulnerable groups expected.
Northern Scotland and coastal areas have enjoyed respite from the scorching heat, but the rest of the country is bracing itself for a significant increase. By midweek, lighter easterly winds will usher in more humid weather, pushing temperatures upwards across most regions. England and Wales are set to sizzle at 30C or higher, with western Scotland and Northern Ireland reaching highs of 26C or 27C.
The prolonged heatwave has already broken records, with nine days of temperatures reaching 34C or higher – two more than the previous records in 1976 and 2020. The danger of wildfires remains high across England and Wales, despite a temporary reprieve over the weekend. Forecasters warn that the risk will rise again from Wednesday.
As the heatwave continues to grip the nation, there's no clear end in sight. While occasional thunderstorms may roll in later this week, weather models suggest that northerly winds won't bring relief until next weekend – and even then, high pressure could return, prolonging the hot spell.