UK heatwave builds to 36°C — when the hottest day hits
Much of England and Wales faces a steadily intensifying heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to peak at about 36°C in some places on Thursday. Southern and central England are likely to experience the most intense conditions.
People should avoid strenuous exercise between 11am and 3pm, carry water when leaving home and limit direct exposure to the strongest sunshine. The forecast also raises health, water-safety and wildfire concerns as prolonged warmth and dry ground persist.
The Met Office issued its forecast at 1.17pm on Monday, 10 August 2026, following what was provisionally the UK’s second-warmest July on record. High pressure, abundant sunshine and warm air arriving on southerly or southeasterly winds are expected to lift temperatures day by day.
Temperatures will climb towards Thursday’s peak
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said the developing heatwave would be fairly widespread across England and Wales, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius. High pressure is becoming dominant, suppressing much of the rain in southern Britain and allowing heat to accumulate through successive sunny days.
Thursday is forecast to be the hottest day, with a possible high of around 36°C. The precise temperature and location of that maximum remain forecast details rather than guaranteed outcomes, but the Met Office expects the most notable heat in southern and central England.
The latest outlook follows another recent UK heatwave and its expected temperature break, underlining how little relief some areas have had from the warmth of recent weeks.
England and Wales face the most widespread heat
The strongest and most persistent sunshine is expected across much of England and Wales. Southern and central England are the leading areas for temperatures approaching the forecast 36°C peak, while warmth is also likely to be widespread elsewhere across both countries.
Conditions will be different in the north and northwest of Scotland, where showery rain may arrive from the west. Parts of Northern Ireland could also see rain at times rather than the dominant dry and sunny pattern farther south.
Heat alerts signal pressure on health services
The UK Health Security Agency has issued Heat Health Alerts for England because the forecast conditions are likely to increase demand on health and social-care services. The source does not identify specific transport cancellations or restrictions, but anyone travelling or spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day should prepare for sustained heat and strong sunshine.
Curtains should be closed in rooms facing the sun, and fluids should be taken regularly. When going outside, the Met Office advises staying in the shade, carrying water, applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
People visiting beaches, rivers or other waters should also check local conditions and follow water-safety guidance. The combination of high temperatures and continuing dry weather means wildfire remains a risk in some areas during the coming week.
Cooler air should spread south this weekend
Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said Thursday would mark the peak of the heat. Southern and southeastern England are expected to retain some warmth on Friday before cooler air begins moving south from the northwest and brings broader relief on Saturday.
High pressure may continue to influence southern Britain later in the weekend, although it could weaken into the start of next week. The timing and coverage remain uncertain, but that change may allow showers or longer periods of rain to move across parts of the UK.
Source: Met Office Weather and Climate News
Context & actions About this article
Source check Forecast source trail
The timing, affected areas, safety guidance and forecast uncertainty were checked against the Met Office update published on 10 August 2026.
- Confirmed that Thursday is forecast to be the hottest day, with temperatures possibly reac...
- Confirmed that southern and central England are expected to experience the most intense he...
- Separated the forecast peak from the less certain outlook for showers and longer rain spel...
- Retained the Met Office heat, water-safety and wildfire precautions without adding unsuppo...
- Source
- Met Office Weather and Climate News
- Scope
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- 2026-08-11 17:40
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments