Is another heatwave coming? Met Office forecast for UK

Some forecasters are predicting highs of up to 35C across England and parts of Wales, with the heat expected to become more widespread and intense as the week progresses.

Heatwaves are defined as periods of three consecutive days where temperatures meet or exceed a specific threshold.

This threshold varies across the UK, from 25C in the north and west to 28C in parts of eastern England.

Is another heatwave coming in the UK?

The UK has already experienced three heatwaves this year, with the last one ending for most of England and Wales last weekend when cooler air brought temperatures down to 20-24C.

However, Usk in Monmouthshire and Exeter in Devon continued to hit heatwave levels and on Friday, marked 20 consecutive days of reaching the criteria.

A short period of cooler weather with some rain in parts of the UK is expected over the weekend, but the heat is likely to return quickly.

High pressure is forecast to build over the south of the UK next week, preventing the arrival of rain-bearing weather fronts in southern regions.

This pattern will confine wet weather to the north and west, particularly north-west Scotland, while temperatures begin to climb once more in the south.

The Met Office said that “if only one or two stations reach heatwave criteria, that would not be defined as a heatwave”, but a broader area could trigger the declaration of a fourth heatwave.

2026 became the first year to record temperatures of 35C on six separate days (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

For much of next week, temperatures in England and Wales are expected to peak at 25C to 32C, with the hottest conditions focused on central and eastern England by Tuesday, the BBC weather team predict.

Some computer models suggest east Wales and most of England could see temperatures between 30C to 35C by next weekend, raising the likelihood of another officially declared heatwave.

Met Office verdict on potential fourth heatwave

The Met Office is forecasting a “return to very warm weather in the south next week”.

It says: “This more unsettled spell is not expected to last long for much of southern UK with dry weather and sunny periods likely to return on Monday and continue into midweek.

“Further north, it will be cloudier with further showers or longer outbreaks of rain.  

“Temperatures are expected to recover quickly in the south. 

“Many parts of England and Wales are likely to return to the mid to high twenties Celsius early next week, with the potential for temperatures to reach 30C again in southern and eastern England by Tuesday.

“Conditions in the southeast could become very warm or locally hot, with the possibility that some locations may once again reach heatwave criteria, potentially making this the fourth heatwave episode of the year for parts of the UK.”

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How to stay cool in summer in the UK

The NHS suggests staying out of the heat if possible, adding that it is best to stay shaded, particularly between 11am and 3pm.

It also recommends using sunscreen, wearing a hat and light clothes, and avoiding exercise or activity that makes you hotter.

To cool yourself down, have cold food and drinks and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.

It is also vital to keep your living space cool, closing windows during the day and opening them at night when it is cooler.

Have you enjoyed temperatures cooling down recently? Let us know in the comments.