Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecastImage source, via Getty ImagesImage caption, A commuter uses a personal fan as they walk in the sunshine across London Bridge, during a heatwave, in central London on June 24, 2026. ByTomasz SchafernakerBBC MeteorologistPublished10 minutes agoAnother heatwave is likely to be declared in the UK within the coming days as temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in places. A large area of high pressure is currently building from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain.

By the weekend, heat is forecast to build across France and southern Britain with some locations reaching heatwave threshold temperatures. Last month was the warmest June on record for England, and the second warmest for the UK as a whole, according to provisional data from the Met Office. Image source, WeatherImage caption, Heat will build across England and Wales over the weekend with highs possibly reaching 30C in the south east.

The Details

A heatwave is declared in the UK once daytime temperatures meet certain thresholds, which vary across different regions. In London and the south-east, for example, three consecutive days of 28C are needed, while in northern Britain it is 25C. Much of the UK will remain below these criteria through the rest of this week.

However, by Friday, it is possible temperatures could just nudge to 28C within Greater London and the Home Counties. On Sunday, the top temperatures could hit 30C, making it the earliest day a heatwave could be declared in a few spots in England. Are we in for a summer of serial heatwaves?

Published4 days agoHow hot will it get? It will get progressively warmer next week across much of the country, with hot air establishing itself across southern Britain. Highs are expected to approach or exceed 30C on most days, with slight day-to-day variations in location and temperature.

What Experts Say

Initially, winds will be mostly westerly meaning we may avoid the sort extreme temperatures we saw during the second half of June. Image source, WeatherImage caption, Hot air is expected to spread into southern and central Britain while the northwest will stay cooler due to air flowing off the Atlantic. Later in the week, however, it is possible that southerly winds could briefly return lifting temperatures a little higher, but there is a lot of uncertainty around this.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London, south-east and south-west, warning that there is a greater risk to life for vulnerable people as a result of the temperatures. Unlike the last heatwave, however, the air is expected to be less humid, at least initially. So despite the high temperatures, it may feel a little more comfortable.

Image source, WeatherIn northern areas, temperatures are not forecast to reach heatwave levels quite so soon - if at all.

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