A fourth heatwave of the year is affecting parts of the UK, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 35C later this week, according to BBC News.
The hottest conditions are expected in central, southern and eastern England, with the peak likely on Wednesday. Forecasts indicate temperatures of around 30C to 35C across the Midlands, southern England and eastern England, while England and Wales more widely are expected to see highs of about 25C to 32C over the next few days.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East from 09:00 on Wednesday until 09:00 on Thursday. It warned that the heat could have significant effects on health and social care services, particularly for vulnerable people.
Yellow heat health alerts are in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and the South West during the same period.
The heat will not affect all areas. Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England are expected to remain cloudier, with outbreaks of rain. Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to be cooler and showery, with temperatures generally in the high teens or low to mid-20s Celsius.
The latest hot spell follows an exceptionally warm May and June. The Met Office says the UK mean temperature so far in July 2026 is 17.5C, making it currently the second hottest of any month on record, behind July 2006 at 17.8C.
Dry conditions are also continuing to cause concern. Hosepipe bans are in place for millions of households, while dry vegetation has contributed to wildfires in several areas. Although some rain fell at the weekend, central, southern and eastern England saw little meaningful rainfall.
The Met Office says rainfall in England so far this month is 4.4mm, among the lowest levels on record. Wales, where drought was triggered in some areas last week, is also experiencing very low rainfall, with July 2026 currently the fourth driest of any month since records began.
BBC News reported that some isolated showers may develop later in the week, but no significant rain is currently forecast.
