UK faces third 2026 heatwave with temperatures up to 35C

The United Kingdom is experiencing its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s Celsius in parts of southern England this week. The Met Office confirmed that southeast England has already met the official heatwave criteria, and the hot conditions are expected to persist into the weekend before easing slightly early next week.

Temperatures are predicted to climb steadily, with parts of southern England likely to see highs in the low 30s Celsius on Tuesday, rising to around 34C on Wednesday and Thursday. Isolated areas could reach 35C on Friday and Saturday. While the heat will be widespread across England and Wales, extending into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, a north-south divide will persist initially, with Scotland experiencing stronger winds and rain closer to seasonal averages.

Officials have stated this heatwave is not expected to break the national records set during previous extreme heat in May and June. However, they warn it may last longer. Conditions are forecast to become increasingly humid by the weekend, bringing a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.

In response to the forecast, the UK Health Security Agency has...