Cooler for some this weekend but heatwave continues

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Cooler for some this weekend but heatwave continuesImage source, GettyByDarren BettLead weather presenterPublished11 July 2026, 01:18 BSTUpdated 31 minutes agoTemperatures in some parts of the UK will feel noticeably cooler this weekend - but the heatwave is set to continue with heat health alerts still in force for nearly all of England. A strengthening north-easterly wind will shift the hottest spots from south-east England further west across the west Midlands and south-east Wales. Friday saw temperatures exceed 35C, making it a record for the most 35+C days in a calendar year - bringing the total so far in 2026 to six.

It also brought the total of 34+C days to nine - another record. It also saw parts of Scotland enter into heatwave after three days of at least 25C. Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency, external (UKHSA) remain in place across large parts of England until 21:00 BST on Sunday.

The Details

Five water companies also announced hosepipe bans due to a lack of rain and increased water demand affecting more than five million people, while authorities have warned of the risk of wildfires. How hot will it be this weekend? On Friday, the maximum temperature in England of 35.

2C was recorded in Coton-in-the Elms, Derbyshire, while Usk, Monmouthshire saw the highest temperature of 34. Threave, Dumfries and Galloway recorded Scotland's highest temperature of 29. 7C, while the highest temperature in Northern Ireland peaked at 27.

On Saturday the highest temperatures will be in the west Midlands, south-east Wales and parts of southern England - up to 33C. A brisk north-easterly wind means that eastern parts of England will feel a drop off in temperatures. North Sea coasts from Northumberland to Suffolk could remain cloudy and misty on Saturday but should be much sunnier on Sunday.

What Experts Say

Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see more cloud. Showers in eastern Scotland will have died out by Sunday bringing more sunshine. Temperatures will be 23 or 24C at best but eastern Scotland will be cooler.

On Sunday, as the wind strengthens, temperatures will be a few degrees lower still in England and Wales - but could still reach 30C in southern England. Image source, PAImage caption, People have been finding all sorts of ways to cool downWhen will the heatwave be over? These changes to the weather do not mean an end to the heatwave.

It is set to heat up again next week, and while it will not a be as hot as the past seven days, the heatwave criteria could be met in more of the UK by Wednesday or Thursday. High pressure will remain centred to the north of the UK and the brisk east to north-easterly winds will gradually lessen with warmer air from northern France pushing back into southern England. Here temperatures will get back up to 32 or 33C.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.