The Met Office has reported that 2026 is the first year in which temperatures of 35C have been recorded in the UK on six days. This surpasses previous records of five days in both 1976 and 2020. Additionally, this year is the first to experience temperatures of 35C or higher across three months, and it has broken the record for days at 34C or higher, with nine recorded so far.
Heatwave to persist into next week
Scorching heatwave conditions across much of England and Wales are expected to last until at least next week, according to the Met Office. Temperatures in parts of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30C on Sunday and into the coming week. While a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday, most areas are forecast to remain dry, sunny, and very hot.
A provisional maximum daily temperature of 33C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday. Craig Snell, a forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Today, 33C is still well above average for the time of year. The very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK until at least next week.”
Wildfire and health warnings issued
Emergency services have warned of an extreme risk of wildfires this weekend. The London Fire Brigade urged people not to use disposable barbecues, citing fears that dry heat could lead to fires. The risk in London escalated from “elevated” to “extreme” on Saturday and will remain until Monday, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed.
The Metropolitan Police expressed concern about excessive calls during England’s World Cup game against Norway on Saturday evening. A surge in emergency calls during the hot weather prompted the force to urge people to call 999 only for immediate danger or crimes in progress, reporting other offences online.
Health alerts and water safety
Amber heat health alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the West Midlands and the south-west, from 9am on Sunday to 9pm on Wednesday. This indicates significant impacts likely across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Yellow heat health alerts were posted for the East Midlands, the north-west, the south-east, the east of England, and London, covering the same period.
Craig Snell advised: “During the hot weather, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on friends and family. If you’re planning on enjoying the seaside, check the water temperature. The water still can be quite cold so make sure you’re fully aware of that to avoid cold water shocks.” He also noted that people should be mindful of waves on the south coast as strong winds could develop.
Tragically, an 18-year-old man’s body was recovered from water near a weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex, near Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty, Derbyshire Constabulary reported. Another 18-year-old man died at Dovestone reservoir, near Oldham, on Friday, according to Greater Manchester Police. Police Scotland said a woman’s body was recovered from the Falls of Falloch in Stirling after she got into difficulty on Friday evening.
UV and pollen levels high
The Met Office warned of high or very high UV levels this weekend, with a UV level of eight forecast for most of England and Wales on Sunday, considered very high. People are advised to use sun protection when outside. Pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas, particularly in Wales and the south-west of England.
Hosepipe bans enforced
Water firms have implemented hosepipe bans in several regions due to strain on water supplies following successive heatwaves and a record warm spring for England and Wales. Southern Water imposed restrictions on Friday for about 1 million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Anglian Water followed with bans for its 5 million customers in the east of England, effective from 1am on Saturday. Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, the first in three decades, with enforcement starting on 1am next Friday. South East Water introduced a ban on 3 July for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
