Weather patterns indicate that the United Kingdom may experience its fourth heatwave of the year by the end of July, with temperatures projected to surpass 30 degrees Celsius across large areas of England once again. Currently, residents are enduring the third heatwave of the year, which has lasted nine days so far. On Monday, temperatures in Hurn, Dorset, reached 30.1 degrees Celsius, marking the ninth consecutive day with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

Compared to the previous heatwave in June lasting seven days, the ongoing July heatwave has persisted longer. Despite this, June experienced higher temperatures and humidity due to a ‘heat dome,’ resulting in record-breaking temperatures. In 2026, there have been a total of 24 days when temperatures surpassed 30 degrees Celsius across the UK, occurring in May, June, and July. This matches the number of 30-degree-plus days recorded in 1976, a year remembered for its severe heatwave and drought conditions.

Although the Met Office predicts a decrease in temperatures towards the end of this week and into the following week, extended weather forecasts from WXCharts suggest that temperatures could rise above the heatwave threshold in various locations starting from Friday, July 24. The weekend following this date may see highs of 32 degrees Celsius on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27.

WXCharts weather maps indicate temperatures ranging from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius across central and southern England, the Midlands, parts of Wales, the North West, and Yorkshire on Sunday, July 26. Similarly, temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in London, the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire on Monday, July 27.

With over a month left of summer, 2026 has the potential to approach the record set in 1995 when the UK experienced 34 days of temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Although 2026 has already marked the first occurrence of temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius or higher on six separate days, with a record nine days exceeding 34 degrees Celsius.

The Met Office anticipates the continuation of the current heatwave across much of the UK this week, with potential highs of 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday in certain parts of southern-central England. By the latter part of the week, temperatures are expected to decrease, ranging in the mid to high-20s for many locations by Saturday.

Looking ahead to the upcoming week, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkall mentioned that temperatures are likely to decrease slightly, with highs easing into the high 20s for most places, and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius becoming less probable by Friday. Subsequently, temperatures are expected to drop further on Saturday while remaining dry.