The UK’s long, hot summer is showing no signs of easing, with forecasters predicting at least seven to ten more days of sweltering conditions after a record-breaking start to the year.
Temperatures have topped 30C for 11 consecutive days, and 2026 has become the first year on record to reach 35C in May, June and July, according to the Met Office. “The settled and fine conditions people are currently enjoying looks locked in for the next seven to 10 days and is likely to remain strongly,” said spokesman Graham Madge.
“UK heatwave continues for 7-10 more days after record-breaking temperatures and more 30C days than entire 1976.”
Every day for the past 11 days, somewhere in the UK has hit 30C or above, said deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter. The high pressure responsible for the prolonged fine spell will continue for at least another week, but a shift to a more northerly flow will eventually bring a cooler feel, ending the run of 30C days. “However, we are still likely to see some locations remain in heatwave conditions to finish the week,” he added.
England has been particularly warm, with mean temperatures 2.4C above the average 21C, while Wales is 2.2C above its norm of 19.3C. Scotland and Northern Ireland have also run above their seasonal averages, at 0.9C and 1.3C respectively.
The heat has driven many to seek relief. A review of Thai restaurant Singburi of Shoreditch, which moved from Leytonstone to east London, described its food as “perfect for a heatwave: spicy and light”. The reviewer noted that “who else would better understand how to cater to the hot weather than the Thais?”
Met Office science manager Amy Doherty said: “We’re only halfway through summer, yet 2026 has already delivered more days above 30C than the whole of 1976 and become the first year on record to reach 35C in May, June and July. What stands out most, however, is that the warmth has not been confined to the daytime, with overnight temperatures tracking at record levels for this stage of the season. The high humidity so far this summer has also been unusual.”
Hayter warned that dry soils, after very little rainfall, “could provide less resistance to daytime heating, again challenging heatwave criteria into the second half of the summer.” Whether the current heatwave continues depends on whether temperatures exceed 28C in London or 25C elsewhere for three consecutive days.
