Large parts of the United Kingdom are enduring another spell of extreme summer weather, with temperatures expected to climb well above 30°C and potentially reach 35–36°C in parts of England by the end of the week. Weather forecasters say the current hot spell is the country’s third official heatwave of 2026, while health authorities are warning that the prolonged heat is placing increasing strain on hospitals, care services and vulnerable communities. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated Amber Heat-Health Alerts across much of southern, eastern and central England, with Yellow Alerts covering northern regions. The alerts remain in force until 12 July, reflecting concerns that the unusually high temperatures could lead to a rise in illness, hospital admissions and heat-related deaths, particularly among older people, infants and those with existing medical conditions. Meanwhile, the National Health Service (NHS) has warned that hospitals are already operating under “sustained pressure.” Emergency departments are preparing for an increase in patients suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to rise.
UK met office forecast
According to the Met Office, high pressure dominating the UK’s weather pattern is bringing prolonged sunshine, dry conditions and exceptionally warm air across much of the country. The hottest conditions are forecast on Thursday and Friday, when parts of southern and eastern England could see temperatures climb to 35°C or even 36°C. Met Office meteorologists say daytime temperatures above 30°C will become widespread, while overnight conditions will remain unusually warm. Some urban areas may experience “tropical nights”, where temperatures fail to fall below 20°C, making it difficult for people to cool down and recover from the daytime heat. Greg Dewhurst, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said temperatures would continue climbing through the week before easing gradually over the weekend in parts of southern and eastern England. However, warmer-than-average conditions are expected to continue, particularly across South West England, even after the current peak passes.Officials also warned that while the heat will eventually ease in some areas, there remains a possibility of thunderstorms developing as cooler air begins to move in, particularly later in the week.
Rising health risks
Health officials say the greatest concern is not simply the daytime temperatures but the prolonged nature of the heat, with little overnight relief.The UK Health Security Agency says Amber Heat-Health Alerts indicate that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services. These include increased demand for emergency care, higher risks for vulnerable people and additional pressure on NHS resources.The NHS said hospitals continue to experience “sustained pressure”, urging people to take sensible precautions and help reduce avoidable medical emergencies during the hot weather.Health authorities are advising people to:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Stay indoors during the hottest afternoon hours where possible.
- Wear light clothing and sunscreen outdoors.
- Keep homes cool by closing curtains during the day.
- Check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone living alone.
- Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Officials have also reminded people that rivers, lakes and reservoirs can remain dangerously cold despite the hot weather, increasing the risk of cold water shock.
What comes next
The prolonged spell of hot weather is already affecting transport and public services. Heat can cause railway tracks to expand, increasing the likelihood of delays and speed restrictions, while road surfaces may soften under prolonged high temperatures. Some rail services have already reported disruption linked to heat-related infrastructure issues.Scientists also say this latest heatwave forms part of a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events across Europe. The Copernicus Climate Change Service recently reported that western Europe experienced its hottest June on record, while UK waters are simultaneously experiencing an “extreme” marine heatwave, with sea temperatures significantly above seasonal averages. Experts say climate change is making prolonged periods of exceptional heat more likely and more intense.Forecasters expect temperatures to gradually ease across parts of southern and eastern Britain over the weekend, although very warm weather is likely to persist elsewhere. The south-west, Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to remain warmer than average, while the risk of isolated thunderstorms may increase as weather patterns begin to change.For millions across the UK, however, the immediate focus remains on safely getting through one of the hottest weeks of the year. With temperatures climbing into the mid-30s, health officials, emergency services and meteorologists continue urging the public not to underestimate the risks posed by prolonged extreme heat, especially as the NHS works to manage growing demand during one of the country’s most intense heatwaves of 2026.
