Heatwave forecast to peak around 36°C in England and Wales

The Met Office reported on 7 August 2026 that heatwave conditions were likely to return to many parts of the UK, with temperatures forecast to reach 36°C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday¹. In an update on 10 August, the forecaster said much of southern and central England would experience a heatwave that week, with temperatures likely to peak around 36°C on Thursday for some².

The Met Office set out a day-by-day climb: 27°C on Friday 7 August, 29°C or potentially 30°C on Saturday, and the low 30s Celsius in southern and south-eastern England on Sunday. Monday was expected to bring a brief dip to highs of 27°C to 29°C, before temperatures rose day by day, with up to 30°C possible across parts of England and Wales on Tuesday and 32°C to 34°C on Wednesday¹. The heat was expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and south-east Wales, while East Anglia and south-east England could see temperatures even higher on Thursday¹. The Eastern Daily Press reported that temperatures were predicted to peak in Downham Market at 34°C³.

The Met Office attributed the heat to high pressure becoming dominant, bringing plenty of sunshine and allowing temperatures to build day by day, with southerly or southeasterly winds tapping into hot conditions over Europe². Its deputy chief forecaster, Mike Silverstone, said humidity levels were also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight¹. The main exception to the warm and sunny conditions was expected to be north and northwest of Scotland, and at times parts of Northern Ireland, which would continue to see the influence of showery rain from the west².

The UK Health Security Agency issued yellow heat health alerts for parts of England, highlighting the potential impacts of hot weather, particularly for older people and those with underlying health conditions¹. The Eastern Daily Press reported that amber heat health alerts covered much of England, including the eastern region, and that these remained in place until 9pm on Tuesday and might be extended³. The two descriptions of alert levels differ; the Met Office's 10 August update refers to Heat Health Alerts without specifying a colour².

The Eastern Daily Press reported that parts of the UK were set to see their fifth heatwave of the summer, following what it described as an already record-breaking season of persistent heat and drought conditions. It reported that half of England and all of Wales were currently in drought, and that more regions could be declared as such following a meeting of the National Drought Group³. The Met Office described July as provisionally the second warmest on record for the UK².

Why it matters for households

The heat affects much of England and Wales from the weekend of 8 and 9 August, building to a peak on Thursday 13 August². The UK Health Security Agency's alerts indicate that forecast temperatures are likely to increase demand on health and social care services², with older people and those with underlying health conditions highlighted as particularly affected¹. The Met Office advises people to keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, to drink plenty of fluids and close curtains in rooms that face the sun, and, if going out, to take water, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat². It also advises staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours¹. With high temperatures and dry conditions continuing for many, the Met Office says wildfire continues to be a risk for some in the coming week². Households can read our hot weather preparation checklist and our guide to who is most at risk in hot weather; the Met Office thresholds that define a heatwave are set out in our guide to what counts as a heatwave in the UK. The wider context is covered in our heatwaves and drought household guide and our page on where drought restrictions apply in England.

What happens next

The Met Office said Thursday would be the peak of the heat this week, with some warmth remaining in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest². High pressure is likely to retain some influence over the weather in the south later in the weekend but may begin to weaken into the start of next week; details are uncertain, but this may allow showers or some longer spells of rain to spread across parts of the UK for a time². The Met Office said forecast details would continue to evolve over the coming days and encouraged the public to stay up to date with the latest information on its website and app¹. The Eastern Daily Press reported that the amber heat health alerts may be extended³.