Temperatures set to exceed 30°C for up to 10 days as UK's third heatwave arrives

There are mixed weather conditions across the UK this morning, with a rain and cloud in northern areas, and warmer sunnier conditions in the South where the UK’s third heatwave is under way. What do you need to know about this year’s third heatwave? The day is off to a mixed start, with a north-south split in the current weather conditions. To the North, rain is persisting in western parts of Scotland. There will be some light showers over Northern Ireland and parts of northern England through the rest of the day as a weather front continues to influence our weather regime. Further south, it’s a different story. This morning has been dry with plenty of sunny spells across England and Wales. Expect it to remain dry with increasingly strong sunshine and UV levels into the afternoon. Winds will be light for most, though breezy in the northwest. Rain in the north persisting this morning Under the strong sunshine, the heat is expected to peak in the South East of England, including across Greater London and the surrounding area, with highs of 31°C. Other southern areas will also be warm, reaching the mid if not high 20°C. It will feel warmer today than yesterday in England Windy western areas and more cloudy and wet northern areas will see more seasonable temperatures, with highs between 15-17°C in the far north to 20-24°C in other areas further south. Related article UK temperature maps turn red: exact areas facing 35ºC peaks as third UK heatwave this year intensifies Through the evening, it will remain rather cloudy across northern areas with occasional rain or drizzle in northwest Scotland. Elsewhere, dry with clear spells while patchy fog develops in the southwest. Heat will intensify by tomorrow. The third heatwave of the year is underway as an area of high pressure remains close to southern areas. This hot spell will bring extensive sunshine and light winds to many areas across England and Wales, allowing temperatures to build steadily through the week. The good news is that this heatwave is expected to be less humid than last month’s, with lower peak temperatures and more bearable nights. Nighttime temperatures are expected to drop below 20°C at least, though some larger urban areas are likely to remain in the high teens overnight, especially later in the week. Its a hot one but relative humidity is very low where the highest temperatures are so it doesnt feel too bad out there. A complete contrast to the last heatwave. pic.twitter.com/oAShNMrYco — Met4Cast - UK Weather (@Met4CastUK) July 6, 2026 However, it is the length of this hot spell that will set it apart from those seen in May and June. Forecasts suggests a temperature could exceed 30°C somewhere in the UK for up to 10 consecutive days. How hot will it be? Forecast models show temperatures will climb into the low 30s across much of southern England from the start of the week, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35°C later in the week. Temperatures could rise up to 33°C on Wednesday, 34°C on Thursday, and with isolated locations potentially reaching 35°C on Friday and Saturday. As such, people are urged to take extra precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. Heat will continue intensifying through the mid-week By the weekend, the warm air could extend into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with peak temperatures in the upper 20s Celsius. By that time, humidity is also expected to rise, increasing the risk of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Note that there will also be high UV. London will be one of the hottest places in the UK Early forecasts for next week show temperatures are likely to start easing slightly, although many areas could stay dry, fine and still warm.