Weather forecasts indicate that the UK might experience the 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 be surpassed with temperatures exceeding 37C once again next week.
According to the GFS weather model, maximum temperatures could reach 34C in southern England, specifically from Gloucestershire to Surrey, on Wednesday next week. South Wales might see highs of 31C, while the Midlands could experience temperatures as high as 33C.
The model suggests that temperatures could rise to 36C in western and southern England on Thursday next week, with areas as far north as Yorkshire reaching 33C and southern parts of Scotland seeing temperatures of 28C.
By Friday next week, western and south-east England could witness highs of at least 37C, with central England and southern areas potentially experiencing temperatures of 36C. Saturday might bring highs of 36C in East Anglia, 33C in Yorkshire, 36C in the south-east, and 33-34C in the Midlands, marking a four-day heatwave period.
Temperature anomaly maps for the upcoming week show the UK shaded in deep red, indicating temperatures significantly above the seasonal average. The GFS model projects that temperatures may surpass 37C in eight English counties.
The Met Office anticipates the possibility of very warm or hot conditions later in the month, with potential thundery interludes. The forecast for August 9 to 18 suggests that high pressure may dominate the north or northwest of the UK, leading to variable rainfall amounts and above-average temperatures, especially in the south.
