Recent weather forecasts indicate the likelihood of a fourth heatwave in the UK before the end of July, with temperatures expected to rise above 30C across various parts of England once again. Britons are currently experiencing the third heatwave of the year, which has now entered its ninth day. On Monday, temperatures reached 30.1C in Hurn, Dorset, marking the ninth consecutive day with temperatures exceeding 30C in some areas.
Compared to the previous heatwave in June, the ongoing July heatwave has lasted longer, with temperatures and humidity levels peaking during June due to a ‘heat dome’ phenomenon, resulting in record-breaking temperatures. So far in 2026, there have been a total of 24 days when temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK, distributed across May, June, and July, matching the number of 30C-plus days recorded in the historic heatwave of 1976.
While the Met Office predicts a decrease in temperatures towards the end of the current week and into the next, long-term weather projections from WXCharts suggest that temperatures could cross the heatwave threshold on Friday, July 24. Subsequently, temperatures are expected to rise over the following weekend, with highs of 32C predicted for Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.
WX Charts weather maps indicate temperatures ranging from 30C to 32C across central and southern England, the Midlands, parts of Wales, the North West, and Yorkshire on Sunday, July 26. The following day, Monday, July 27, temperatures are forecasted to exceed 30C in London, the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire.
With over a month left in the summer season, 2026 has the potential to surpass the 1995 record of 34 days with temperatures exceeding 30C. Despite this, 2026 has already marked a significant milestone by recording temperatures of 35C or higher on multiple occasions, including a record nine days above 34C. The Met Office anticipates the current heatwave to persist throughout the week, with temperatures expected to peak at 33C on Wednesday in some parts of southern-central England. Subsequently, temperatures are projected to decrease by the latter half of the week, settling in the mid to high-20s for many regions by Saturday.
Looking ahead, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkall mentioned on the Met Office’s YouTube channel that temperatures will slightly decrease, with highs reaching the late 20s in most places, making 30°C less likely by Friday compared to earlier in the week. Temperatures are set to drop further on Saturday, while remaining dry.
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