Strong sunshine and rising temperatures will dominate the weather story this week, with the UK set to experience its third heatwave in just seven weeks.
While not everywhere will start the week in the heat, increasingly warm and settled conditions will spread northwards as high pressure becomes more firmly established across the country.
A mixed start before the heat becomes more widespread
The week begins with a marked north-south split in conditions. Weather fronts draped across northern Britain will bring cloud, outbreaks of rain and generally cooler weather, while southern areas enjoy strong sunshine and very warm temperatures under the influence of high pressure.
The jet stream is currently helping to steer these weather systems across the north, with some wet weather affecting parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland at the start of the week. However, as the jet stream shifts further north towards Iceland, areas of low pressure will be displaced, allowing high pressure to build more strongly across the UK.
Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach 31°C or 32°C in parts of southern England, while north-west Scotland remains much cooler, with highs only reaching the mid-teens. Northern Ireland and northern England will see a cloudier start with some showery rain, although conditions should improve through the day.
Further south, widespread sunshine is expected, with UV levels becoming very high in many areas. Anyone spending time outdoors should take appropriate precautions in the strong sunshine.
Pollen and UV levels will be high or very high in places this week in the strong sunshine ☀️🌻 pic.twitter.com/gejdVTK0ey
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 6, 2026
High pressure takes control by midweek
By Tuesday night and Wednesday, high pressure will become more firmly established across much of the UK. As warmer air pushes northwards, temperatures will rise across northern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Most parts of the country can expect a fine day with sunny skies on Wednesday. The main exception will be the far north and northwest, where cloudier conditions and occasional outbreaks of rain may continue across the Highlands, Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney.
Temperatures across southern areas will once again exceed 30°C, while northern parts of the UK see a notable increase in temperatures compared with the start of the week.
Temperatures likely to peak late in the week
The hottest weather of the week is expected on Thursday and Friday as high pressure remains dominant. Under settled conditions, temperatures are forecast to build steadily day by day.
Widely across southern England and Wales, temperatures of 33°C to 34°C are possible, with a small chance of reaching 35°C in the hottest spots. Meanwhile, temperatures across Northern Ireland and southern Scotland could reach the upper 20s Celsius.
Coastal areas are likely to remain a little cooler than inland locations, with sea breezes developing in places. By Friday, the centre of high pressure may shift slightly into the North Sea, allowing a more noticeable easterly breeze to develop. This could temper temperatures somewhat along eastern coasts and potentially prevent some parts of southeast England from reaching the highest values seen further inland.
Chance of thunderstorms later in the week
As often happens during prolonged hot spells, there is an increasing possibility of some heavy thundery showers developing later in the week.
From Thursday night into Friday, there is the potential for one or two thunderstorms to break out, particularly where the heat has been building for several days. At this stage, confidence in exactly where any storms may develop remains low, but it is a feature worth monitoring as the week progresses.
At the same time, some weather fronts may approach the far northwest, bringing increased cloud and occasional showery rain to parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Looking ahead to the weekend
High pressure looks set to remain the dominant feature into the weekend. Another area of high pressure is expected to build in, which may introduce slightly less intense heat, but conditions are still likely to remain widely warm or very warm for many.
Although temperatures will be high, this heatwave is not expected to feel quite as oppressive as the one experienced in June. Humidity levels are generally lower, which should help keep overnight temperatures somewhat more comfortable than during previous hot spells.
Nevertheless, this remains a notable period of hot weather, with above-average temperatures affecting much of the UK and heatwave conditions becoming increasingly widespread as the week progresses.
For the latest forecast updates and advice on staying safe in hot weather, keep up to date with Met Office forecasts and warnings throughout the week.
