UK Temperatures Set to Reach 34°C This Week

The UK is preparing for its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 34°C in parts of southeast England later this week.

The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will reach around 29°C on Sunday before rising into the low 30s during the week, peaking at approximately 34°C on Thursday or Friday. Unlike the intense heat experienced during June’s record-breaking heatwave, this spell is expected to feel more comfortable thanks to lower humidity levels.

The hottest conditions will mainly affect southern and southeastern England, while much of the rest of the UK will remain cooler. On Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach 28°C in the southeast, with most southern areas staying above 20°C. Further north, temperatures will generally remain in the high teens, while Scotland is expected to see daytime highs of around 16–17°C.

London is forecast to reach 29°C on Sunday, with temperatures potentially rising to 31°C by Monday as the heat continues to build.

In response to the expected hot weather, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health alerts covering the East Midlands, East of England, London, the South East, South West, and West Midlands. The alerts came into effect at midday on Saturday and will remain in place until 8pm on July 11. Officials have warned that prolonged high temperatures could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable people.

While southern England enjoys warm and sunny conditions, western Scotland is expected to experience heavy and persistent rainfall. The Met Office warns that parts of the west and northwest Highlands could receive more than 100mm of rain by the end of the weekend.

Rain bands are also expected to spread across Scotland, northern England, the Pennines, the Lake District, and parts of Northern Ireland on Sunday.

According to Met Office meteorologist Craig McGivern, the contrasting weather patterns are being driven by a high-pressure system extending from the Azores. The high pressure is bringing settled, sunny weather to southern parts of the UK, while a westerly airflow is pushing weather fronts into Scotland, resulting in cloud, strong winds, and periods of heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which will come into force at 12:01am on July 10. The company said the warmest spring on record, followed by June’s exceptional heat, has left river levels around 25% lower than normal for this time of year.

Forecast

Tonight: Cloud and patchy rain will affect parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, while most other areas remain dry with clear spells and only isolated light showers. Temperatures will stay mild overnight.

Sunday: England and Wales will enjoy warm sunshine, while Scotland and Northern Ireland remain cloudier with further outbreaks of rain. The southeast will be the hottest region, with warm conditions across much of the country.

Monday to Wednesday: Rain will continue to affect northwestern areas on Monday and Tuesday, keeping temperatures close to average. Elsewhere, conditions will remain largely dry, sunny, and increasingly warm, with parts of southeast England becoming locally hot by midweek