Weather forecasts indicate that the United Kingdom is likely to experience its fourth heatwave of the year by the end of July, with temperatures expected to surpass 30C across extensive areas of England once again. Currently, Britons are enduring the third heatwave of the year, which has persisted for nine days. On Monday, temperatures soared to 30.1C in Hurn, Dorset, marking the ninth consecutive day with temperatures exceeding 30C somewhere in the country.
Comparing the July heatwave to the earlier one in June, the current heatwave has lasted longer, despite lower temperatures and humidity levels in June due to a ‘heat dome.’ The UK has already witnessed 24 days in 2026 with temperatures surpassing 30C, distributed across May, June, and July, equaling the number of 30C-plus days in the memorable 1976 heatwave and drought period.
Although the Met Office predicts a decline in temperatures towards the week’s end and the following week, longer-term weather maps suggest that temperatures could cross the heatwave threshold on Friday, July 24, rising further over the subsequent weekend. Highs of 32C are anticipated on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, in various locations.
WX Charts weather forecasts show temperatures ranging from 30C to 32C across central and southern England, the Midlands, parts of Wales, the North West, and Yorkshire on July 26. Similarly, temperatures are expected to exceed 30C in London, the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire on July 27.
With more than a month left of summer, 2026 has a way to go to match the record of 34 days with temperatures over 30C set in 1995. Nonetheless, 2026 has already broken records by experiencing temperatures of 35C or higher on six occasions and registering nine days above 34C.
The Met Office forecasts that the ongoing heatwave will persist through much of the UK this week, with potential highs of 33C on Wednesday in some parts of southern-central England. Temperatures are expected to ease towards the latter part of the week, dropping to the mid to high 20s for many by Saturday.
Looking ahead, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkall mentioned that temperatures would decrease slightly, with highs reaching the high 20s in most places, and 30C becoming less likely by Friday compared to earlier in the week. Temperatures are projected to decline further on Saturday, remaining dry.
