When will this UK heatwave end and how hot will it get?

Weather records continue to be shattered in 2026, with the Met Office recording temperatures of at least 35C in the UK for the first time in May, June and July of the same year.

May and June saw sweltering heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 37.7C last month. This broke the previous June record, which dated back to the summer of 1976.

The highest temperature in July so far was 35.5 degrees in Wisley, Surrey, last Thursday, and the hot weather is showing little sign of slowing down.

While temperatures ease slightly from the peak, many southern and western regions are expected to remain warm throughout the week.

Facing the year’s third consecutive heatwave, many Britons are wondering how long the high temperatures will last. Here’s what we know about the coming weeks:

How hot will this heat wave be?

The Met Office said areas in England and Wales will continue to experience temperatures exceeding 30 degrees in the second week of July.

The weather on Monday will be mostly sunny and very hot in most areas, with strong sunshine and winds. Sunshine will continue into the evening hours in many areas, while some showers can be expected along the southern coast.

More sunshine will arrive on Tuesday; There will be partly cloudy skies in the North East and clear skies everywhere else. According to the forecaster, the weather will be “dry, sunny and very warm” for most areas from Wednesday to Friday.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said: “Central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C.

“With temperatures expected to reach the low to mid 30s over the weekend, the focus of heat will gradually shift towards the western parts of the UK. This will also bring slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to the east coast areas than in recent days. It will also become windier in the southern areas, bringing breezier conditions, particularly along the coasts and headlands.

“The main exception to largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front brought rain, clouds and some heavy showers on Friday. However, conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.”

Natural England’s fire severity index puts parts of England at risk of wildfire, while parts of southern England and the Midlands are also at “exceptional” risk.

When will the heat wave end?

Although temperatures will tend to drop very slightly this week, many areas will remain dry, beautiful and very hot.

There is no clear end to the current heatwave and very high temperatures, according to the Met Office.

Tom Crabtree, deputy head of forecasts, said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave will last. “While temperatures are expected to ease in south-east England over the weekend and into next week, there will be no direct end to this hot weather.

“High pressure is expected to persist for much of next week, but will gradually move northwards. This means an easterly wind will settle in the south and the focus of the warmest conditions will move south-westwards.”

“As a result, some of the places that have seen the highest temperatures in recent weeks will begin to cool down. However, the weather will remain very warm, particularly in the South West, and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in some places.

“The general signal is that the weather will continue into next week for many parts of the UK. However, there is a possibility of storms spreading to parts of the South and South West.”

What will be the impact of this heat wave?

Multiple amber and amber heat health warnings have been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), lasting until 9pm on Wednesday.

This means significant impacts on health and social care services are likely due to high temperatures, including an increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions.

The UKHSA said similar significant impacts were possible in these areas and warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents, including risks of cold water shock and drowning, across England.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said people should “take the usual precautions against heat and sun”.

He added: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave experienced in the UK so far this year. But unlike the May and June heatwaves, we do not expect this heatwave to be record-breaking.”

National Rail Surveys have urged train passengers to check for updates in the coming days due to the heatwave.

Vehicle breakdown recovery teams are also likely to be busier than usual due to high temperatures.

Drivers are advised to carry plenty of water and carry out basic vehicle checks, especially tire pressures and coolant and oil levels, before setting off.

Tony Rich, the AA’s road safety spokesman, said: “With temperatures expected to drop into the low 30s in some parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as ice or heavy rain.

“A few simple checks before you drive off can make a big difference. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, check your coolant levels and have plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets.”

The Met Office said UV levels were expected to be high or very high in many parts of the UK throughout the week and advised people to use sunscreen.

The forecaster also warned that pollen levels are expected to be high or very high in some areas this week.