Temperatures are expected to reach 35C on Thursday as the UK's third heatwave of the year spreads further north and west – a prolonged spell of heat that officials warn could have significant impacts on health and coastal ecosystems.
Parts of southern and eastern England will see maximum daily temperatures of 34C on Thursday, with some areas possibly reaching 35C, according to the BBC Weather. By Friday, the heat will push into southern Wales and the Midlands, while Northern Ireland and Scotland climb into the mid-20s Celsius. The highest temperatures of this heatwave are expected on Thursday and Friday, driven by high pressure keeping conditions dry and settled.
“UK's third heatwave spreads north and west, with temperatures up to 35C and marine heatwave warning issued.”
But unlike the June heatwave, which provisionally hit 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, this one is not expected to break records. "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking," said Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates.
The longevity – one of the longest lasting since 1976 – makes it feel remarkable, the BBC reported. Amber heat health alerts are in place across parts of the Midlands, eastern and southern England until 12 July, with yellow alerts in northern England. The alerts mean significant impacts are likely on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
The National Fire Chiefs Council warned on Wednesday that dry, hot weather increased the risk of wildfires and advised against using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorlands.
At sea, the Met Office has warned of a marine heatwave sweeping UK waters, with sea-surface temperatures spiking in the English Channel and North Sea. Experts fear the unprecedented warmth, fuelled by heatwaves in May and June, could escalate this week, threatening marine wildlife and damaging coastal habitats, Channel 4 News reported.
For those struggling to sleep in the heat – with bedrooms often retaining warmth after daytime peaks of 30C or more – sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a neurophysiologist at Oak Tree Mobility, suggests a DIY air con method. "Place a tray of ice in front of a fan to create your own make-shift air con," she said. "The fan should be positioned so that it's blowing over the tray, and as the ice melts in front of it, the room cools down. Do it for 20 minutes or so before going to bed to help cool your bedroom down." She added that the optimum room temperature for sleeping is 16-18C and advised opening windows when it's cooler outside.
With temperatures set to soar again, the third heatwave of 2026 is testing both human and natural resilience – and the mercury has not yet peaked.