The United Kingdom is experiencing its fourth heatwave of 2026, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 35C in parts of England this week, prompting health warnings and amber heat alerts.
According to the Met Office, the latest spell of hot weather is expected to peak on Wednesday, with the highest temperatures forecast across the Midlands, southern and eastern England. Much of central and southern England is expected to see temperatures between 30C and 35C, while Wales could reach the low 30s.
Amber Heat Alerts Issued Across Parts of England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday. Yellow alerts have also been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and the South West.
Health officials warned that the prolonged hot weather could place additional pressure on health and social care services and increase health risks, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions.
North-South Weather Divide Continues
While southern and eastern England experience intense heat, Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England are expected to remain considerably cooler, with cloud, showers and temperatures generally ranging from the high teens to the low 20s Celsius.
Forecasters expect the current heatwave to be shorter than the previous three widespread heatwaves experienced across the UK this summer, with a greater chance of showers returning later in the week.
The Met Office said July 2026 is on track to become one of the hottest months ever recorded in the UK. The average UK temperature for the month currently stands at 17.5C, making it the second warmest month on record behind only July 2006.
The latest heatwave follows a summer of exceptional temperatures across Europe, where prolonged periods of extreme heat have fueled wildfires, disrupted travel and increased pressure on public health systems in several countries.
