UK weather: Heatwave approaches two-week mark

This year is already shaping up to be an outstanding year for weather records in the UK; It broke monthly temperature records set in both May and June by more than two degrees.

This is the third heat wave of 2026. At the same point last year, we had just seen the third heat wave of 2025. But last July, some places in the south saw temperatures above 30C for four consecutive days.

So far this July we have reached 12 days of 30C in parts of England and Wales and 13 days of heatwave criteria.

Heatwave conditions also affected parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland this week, but the temperatures were less intense and did not last as long.

Comparisons are being made with the historic hot summer of 1976. While that year still holds the record for longest heat wave, this year saw higher extreme temperatures and more “very hot days.”

Dryness and heat were particularly noticeable. Some places, such as Wisley in Surrey in the south of England, have seen no rainfall for 30 days.

Although parts of western Scotland received above average rainfall, much of Wales and Northern Ireland also experienced a rainfall deficit. However, no part of the UK is currently experiencing drought, unlike the widespread drought that accompanied the 1976 heatwave.

The duration and frequency, as well as the severity, of the heat waves in 2026 have attracted attention so far.

This year saw six more days exceeding 35°C, marking the first time 35°C was recorded in three consecutive months (May, June and July).