Britons are set to bask in the fourth heatwave of 2026.
UK weather: Met Office forecasts scorching heatwave temperatures
The fourth heatwave of the year is underway in the UK that could see sweltering highs of 35C scorch nine areas on Wednesday (July 29). The Met Office says it will be particularly hot in the southeast today, with temperatures widely forecast to reach between 29C-30C.
The peak of the heat will arrive tomorrow, with maximum temperatures of 35C possible across southeastern England. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East for 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday. Elsewhere, yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the same timeframe in the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & The Humber.
A fourth heatwave is underway in the UK (Image: Getty)
However, not all parts of the nation will see temperatures soar, with clouds and outbreaks of rain forecast in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms later today.
By Thursday, temperatures will have cooled for vast parts of the country, although those in the southeast will see the hot temperatures stick around for a little longer, with the mercury forecast to hit 29C, meeting the heatwave threshold.
Current forecasts suggest this will be a “short spell of heat” as by Friday, temperatures are forecast to reach near the average for this time of the year, and slightly below average in the far north.
The south will see the warmest weather, thanks to the continuing high pressure, although it will feel markedly different from the midweek highs.
Southeastern England will see the hottest temperatures (Image: Getty)
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson said: “This is a short-lived spell of heat, but temperatures will climb quickly through the first half of the week, particularly in the southeast.
“By Wednesday, some areas could see temperatures in the mid-30Cs, and while the heat will not be widespread across the whole of the UK, it will be enough for parts of the southeast to likely meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday.
“Elsewhere, the weather will be more changeable, and the change to cooler, more unsettled conditions will arrive sooner from the north and west, with a mix of sunshine and showers.
“Across northern areas, it is possible there will be heavier showers with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms through the week.”
The nine UK areas forecast 35C on Wednesday
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
East Sussex
Hampshire
Kent
Oxfordshire
Surrey
West Sussex