Some parts of southern England have now endured an unbroken run of 13 days of heatwave conditions, pushing the UK close to a fortnight of extreme temperatures. On Thursday, Merryfield in Somerset hit 30.6C (87.1F), marking the 12th consecutive day the UK has recorded 30C or higher – the longest such stretch since 2006. In Bournemouth and Heathrow, temperatures have remained above 26C and 28C respectively for nearly two weeks.
The cause lies in a slow-moving weather pattern that has trapped hot air over western Europe. The jet stream has meandered well to the north of the UK, allowing high pressure to build and warm air to drift in from the south. This has created a “heat dome” – air sinks downwards, compresses and heats up as it hits the ground, drying out so no clouds form and strong sunshine heats the ground even further.
“Southern England endures 13 days of heatwave conditions, longest spell since 2006, with no rain in some areas for 30 days.”
This is the third heatwave of 2026. At the same point last year, the UK had also just seen its third heatwave of 2025, though last July some places in the south saw only four consecutive days above 30C. So far this July, parts of England and Wales have reached 12 days above 30C and 13 days in heatwave criteria.
The heat has also gripped parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, but has been less intense and shorter-lived. Comparisons are being drawn with the historic summer of 1976, which still holds the record for the longest heatwave. However, this year has seen higher extreme temperatures and more “very hot days”. The 1976 record of 16 days at or above 30C seems unlikely to be broken.
The dryness has been particularly notable. Some places in southern England, such as Wisley in Surrey, have seen no rainfall in 30 days. Most of Wales and Northern Ireland have also had little rain.
Underlying the extreme weather is a rapidly changing climate. Temperatures in the UK are now on average 1.33C warmer than during 1961-1990. According to the Met Office, the very hottest days have warmed three times quicker – by 4.5C in Greater London. This year is already extraordinary for weather records, having broken monthly temperature records in both May and June by more than two degrees.
While slightly cooler air is expected from the north this weekend, a few locations may see another few days of heatwave yet.
