Temperatures will stay above 30C on Sunday, with warnings of wildfires and heat health alerts in some areas.
London, United Kingdom Jul 12, 2026 ALN: The scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of England and Wales will last until at least next week, the Met Office has said. This prolonged period of high temperatures has raised concerns among health officials, emergency services, and residents alike, as it poses significant risks not only to human health but also to the environment.
Temperatures in parts of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30C on Sunday and into next week, the forecaster reported. Such extreme weather conditions are becoming increasingly common, raising questions about climate change and its impact on weather patterns in the UK.
While a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday, most areas are expected to remain dry, sunny, and very hot throughout the coming week. The Met Office has issued specific warnings to prepare the public for the potential dangers associated with such high temperatures, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
A provisional maximum daily temperature of 33C was recorded in Yelverton in Devon on Saturday, according to the Met Office. Such temperatures are well above the average for this time of year, prompting many to seek relief at beaches and parks, despite the inherent risks involved.
This year marks a significant milestone, as it is the first in which temperatures of 35C or higher have been recorded across three months in the UK. The record for days with temperatures of 34C or higher has also been broken, with nine days recorded at that level so far. This trend reflects a broader pattern of increasing temperatures in the UK, which has seen a marked rise in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves over the past few decades.
In comparison, 2026 was the first year in which temperatures of 35C were recorded in the UK on six days, while five days were recorded with temperatures over 35C in both 1976 and 2020. The increasing frequency of such events is causing concern among climatologists and public health officials, who warn of the potential long-term impacts on health and safety.
Emergency services have issued warnings about an extreme risk of wildfires this weekend. The London Fire Brigade has urged residents not to use disposable barbecues due to fears that the dry heat could lead to fires. The risk level in London escalated from “elevated” to “extreme” on Saturday, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed, and this status is expected to remain until Monday. Wildfires can have devastating effects on local ecosystems, wildlife, and air quality, compounding the dangers posed by the heatwave.
The Metropolitan Police have expressed concern over excessive emergency calls during England’s World Cup game against Norway on Saturday evening. They have urged the public to call 999 only in cases of immediate danger or crime, while other incidents should be reported online. This influx of calls can strain emergency services, diverting resources from critical situations that may arise during the heatwave.
Craig Snell, a forecaster at the Met Office, stated, “Today, 33C is still well above average for the time of year. The very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK until at least next week.” He advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on friends and family. For those planning to enjoy the seaside, he cautioned that water temperatures might still be quite cold, which could lead to cold water shocks.
Snell also warned beachgoers to be mindful of potential strong winds on the south coast in the coming days. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and dry conditions creates a perfect storm for dangerous situations, both on land and at sea.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the West Midlands and the south-west, effective from 9 am on Sunday to 9 pm on Wednesday. This alert indicates that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, particularly affecting individuals aged 65 and over or those with existing health conditions. Vulnerable populations are especially at risk during heatwaves, necessitating proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being.
Yellow heat health alerts have been posted for the East Midlands, the north-west, the south-east, the east of England, and London, also in effect from 9 am on Sunday to 9 pm on Wednesday. The UKHSA has warned of possible significant impacts across these areas, including an increase in water-related incidents due to risks from cold water shock and drowning. Public health messaging during heatwaves is critical to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of staying cool and hydrated.
Tragically, the body of an 18-year-old man was recovered from the water near a weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex, near Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty, according to Derbyshire Constabulary. Additionally, an 18-year-old man died at Dovestone Reservoir, near Oldham, on Friday, and Police Scotland reported the recovery of a woman's body from the Falls of Falloch in Stirling, Scotland, after she encountered difficulties in the water on Friday evening. These incidents underscore the dangers associated with swimming in open water during extreme heat, where conditions can change rapidly and pose unforeseen risks.
The Met Office has warned of high or very high UV levels this weekend and advised the public to use sun protection when outdoors. A UV level of eight is forecast for most of England and Wales on Sunday, which is classified as very high. Increased UV exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, prompting health officials to stress the importance of protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing.
Pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas, particularly in Wales and the south-west of England. For individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, high pollen counts can exacerbate symptoms, making it essential for them to take precautions during this period.
In response to the ongoing heatwave, water firms have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, the Cambridge area, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and parts of Kent. The strain on water supplies has intensified following successive heatwaves that followed a record warm spring for England and Wales. These restrictions are a necessary measure to conserve water resources and ensure that essential supplies remain available for drinking and sanitation.
Hosepipe restrictions came into force on Friday for about 1 million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, followed by restrictions for Anglian Water’s 5 million customers in the east of England, effective from 1 am on Saturday. Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, which took effect immediately, although enforcement actions will not start until 1 am next Friday. This marks the first time in three decades that such a restriction has been introduced, with the company stating that teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies. The implementation of hosepipe bans illustrates the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in the face of climate variability.
South East Water was the first to implement a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells. As the climate continues to change, it is likely that such restrictions will become more common, further emphasizing the need for public awareness and responsible water usage.
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