Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, meaning significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.

High pressure remains the dominant feature through the rest of this week, bringing extensive sunshine, dry weather and temperatures widely above 30°C. The hottest conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, when some locations in England could reach 35 or 36°C.

While the heat will gradually ease across southern and eastern parts of the UK during the weekend and into next week, very warm weather is set to continue as the focus of the highest temperatures shifts towards the southwest.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.

“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest.

“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and  heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.

“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest.”

Peak of the heat this week

The highest temperatures of the current spell are expected on Thursday and Friday, when temperatures will widely exceed 30°C across England and Wales, with highs of 35°C on Thursday and potentially 36°C in some locations on Friday.

Saturday could see highs of 34°C in southwest England and 33°C on Sunday, before a gradual trend down.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, 27/28°C is possible on Friday, with values into the mid-20s Celsius over the weekend.

Despite the heat, humidity levels are expected to be lower than during the late June heatwave, allowing some areas to cool more readily overnight. However, some towns and cities may still experience very warm nights, which can make sleeping uncomfortable. 

Dry weather to continue, feeling breezier in the south

The dominant area of high pressure will keep conditions largely dry across much of the UK through the coming days.

While a few isolated showers or thunderstorms cannot be ruled out from Friday onwards, particularly in western areas, confidence in the timing and location of any thunderstorms remains low. Most places are expected to remain dry with lengthy sunny spells.

As the high-pressure system shifts north during the weekend, easterly winds will become more noticeable, particularly around southern and eastern coasts, where it will feel somewhat fresher than recently.

The warm and dry conditions, with increasing winds for some, is increasing the wildfire risk in some areas. Find out more on reducing the risk of wildfires from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

A gradual change rather than a sudden breakdown

Unlike some summer hot spells that end with a marked change to cooler and more unsettled conditions, current indications suggest temperatures will ease only gradually.

By early next week, many areas are expected to remain in the mid-to-high 20s, with temperatures still above average for the time of year and the warmer conditions expected to become focused further north and west, rather than disappearing altogether.

The overall picture is therefore one of a prolonged spell of fine, dry and very warm weather, with the location of the highest temperatures gradually changing as high pressure shifts northwards across the UK.

Staying safe in hot weather

With temperatures expected to remain high over several days, people are advised to take sensible precautions in the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week, and people heading outdoors should ensure they use appropriate sun protection.

Pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas this week.

READ: Learn more about UV and sun health 

READ: Check the Met Office pollen forecast and find out more about pollen here

If you're planning on enjoying the water, here are three simple ways you can help keep yourself safer:  

  1. Check the water temperature, our seas and river temperatures are low enough to cause cold water shock when 15°C or lower  
  2. Wear a wetsuit if you plan on spending any length of time in the water  
  3. Wearing a life jacket or swimming buoy can increase your chances if you experience cold water shock  

You can find water safety advice on our website and in the Met Office app, which now features a dedicated beach forecast with tide times, wave heights and sea-surface temperatures, as well as guidance on UV and pollen levels.

You can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.

Trees in a sunny field