Met Office heatwave verdict as 34C forecast with amber alerts issued | Weather | News
Hyde Park, London, during the record-breaking May heatwave (Image: Ben Whitley/PA)
The UK can expect another heatwave to sweep through parts of the country, with temperatures of 34C or higher expected over the weekend.
A yellow heat health warning has been issued for four regions including the east, southeast and southwest of England, as well as London.
The warning was valid from 12:00 on Thursday and lasted until 20:00 on Tuesday.
Reflecting May’s record-breaking temperatures, the Met Office said parts of the South and South East were likely to hit the heatwave threshold at the weekend, with a 40 per cent chance of exceeding the highest ever temperature for June of 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976.
The weather is getting warmer, with many places reaching heatwave conditions??????️
This is due to high pressure, which brings sinking and warming air.
It brings record-breaking temperatures to parts of Europe; some of it reaching the south-east of the UK on Sunday and spreading more widely on Monday ?????? pic.twitter.com/eHXOtM10E9
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 18, 2026
East Anglia could hit 32C on Friday before the warm air temporarily moves away from England and leaves with a potential high of 28C on Saturday.
However, temperatures will rise again on Sunday and are expected to reach 32°C in parts of the south and Southeast, and then rise to or above 34°C in some parts on Monday.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said these temperatures were “quite unusual even for mid-June”.
The heat could trigger thunderstorms in the South East on Sunday and East Anglia on Sunday.
But deputy chief forecaster Gregory Wolverson said the warm weather may not bring the “wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies” of the May heat wave.
He added that the clouds and fairly high humidity can feel “pretty muggy at times.”
Beachgoers enjoy the warm weather on Margate beach (Image: Getty)
Temperature records were broken repeatedly during the May heatwave, with 35.1°C measured at Kew Gardens and 32.9°C at Cardiff’s Bute Park.
There were 15 deaths offshore across the UK during this period.
The UK Health Safety Agency’s (UKHSA) yellow health warning means “increased demand” for health and social care services is likely and could lead to an increase in deaths.
The report stated that those aged 65 and over and those with underlying health conditions will be most vulnerable, but younger age groups may also be affected.
Yellow health alerts have also been issued in the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the location-specific heatwave temperature threshold.
Samantha Hughes, the RNLI’s national water security partner, warned: “As warmer weather approaches, it’s important to remember the water is still cold.
“An unexpected entry can cause cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which can trigger panic.
“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Swim to Live: tilt your head back with your ears in the water, relax and control your breathing.
“You may need to use your hands gently to help you stay afloat, and it’s okay if your legs sink; everyone swims differently.”
