Weather models indicate that the UK may experience its hottest day of the year in the upcoming week. The current temperature record for 2026, set at 37.7C on June 26 in Lingwood, Norfolk, could potentially be surpassed, with temperatures expected to rise above 37C again.
According to the GFS weather model, maximum temperatures could reach 34C in southern England next Wednesday, spanning from Gloucestershire to Surrey. South Wales may see temperatures reaching 31C, while the Midlands could experience highs of up to 33C.
The model suggests that by Thursday next week, temperatures could soar to 36C across western and southern England, with regions as far north as Yorkshire reaching 33C and southern Scotland at 28C.
On Friday next week, western and south-eastern England might witness temperatures exceeding 37C, with central and southern England likely to experience highs of 36C.
Looking ahead to Saturday, potential highs include 36C in East Anglia, 33C in Yorkshire, 36C in the southeast, and 33-34C in the Midlands, marking a four-day heatwave period.
Temperature anomaly maps for the following week depict the UK shaded in deep red, indicating temperatures significantly above the seasonal average. The GFS model predicts that temperatures could surpass 37C in eight English counties.
The Met Office suggests that conditions may turn very warm or hot later in the month, with the possibility of thundery interludes. The forecast for August 9 to 18 indicates that high pressure may dominate the north or northwest of the UK, potentially leading to varied rainfall amounts in southern and eastern areas, while temperatures are expected to remain above average, especially in the south.
