UK heatwave eases brief weekend before 36C surge next week

The United Kingdom’s third major heatwave of 2026 is expected to ease this weekend before temperatures surge back toward the mid-30s Celsius next week, according to national forecasters. While a significant cooldown is anticipated on Sunday, July 19, with highs dropping to around 25 degrees Celsius in southern England and 22 degrees in northern regions, the respite is forecast to be brief.

The Met Office predicts peak temperatures will remain at 30C or 31C through Saturday, July 18, with conditions staying dry and settled into the weekend, albeit with increasing cloud cover. Despite temperatures dropping toward the seasonal average, forecasters say it will still feel pleasant in the sunshine. However, the GFS weather model indicates a rapid return of intense heat, with temperatures potentially climbing as high as 36C the following weekend.

Specifically, the model projects highs of 34C to 35C across western England, the Midlands, and the southeast on Saturday, July 25, with Wales reaching 33C. On Sunday, July 26, eastern England could see highs of 36C, and temperatures may reach 34C to 35C as far north as South Yorkshire. Scotland is expected to remain slightly cooler, with areas...