THE fourth heatwave of the year is set to peak today with temperatures of up to 35C.
Experts are warning wildfires could be “exceptionally severe” and the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) amber heat-health alert remains in place for parts of the country.
People enjoy hot weather at the beach in Weymouth Credit: Getty
The Met Office map shows temperatures could reach 35C in the south east today Credit: MET OFFICE
The alert, in place until 9am tomorrow for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London, warns that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The south east of is expected to today.
On X, the said: “Wednesday sees the peak of the heat this week, with temperatures likely reaching 35 Celsius in eastern England.
“This would mark the 7th day of 2026 when the UK has recorded 35°C or higher.
People make their way along a path through the dry, sun-scorched grass of Primrose Hill in London Credit: AFP
A wildfire on Hanter Hill near Kington in Herefordshire last week Credit: LNP
“Prior to this year, the record was 5 days of ≥35°C, set in 1976 and 2020.”
Meanwhile, a Met Office assessment shows fires could be particularly severe in the coming hours as a result of the hot, dry conditions.
It comes as fire and rescue services have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, including 208 incidents.
The UKHSA warned the on health and social care services.
Officials said there could be an increase in deaths among elderly people and those with existing health conditions.
The agency also warned younger people could be affected, while the risk of water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning is expected to rise.
Emergency services are also preparing for an increased risk of wildfires as the hot, dry conditions return.
A National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “ in helping to protect our communities, wildlife and natural spaces, while easing the pressure on firefighters who have already faced an exceptionally challenging summer.”
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Cloudy across Scotland and Northern Ireland with outbreaks of showery rain, although some brighter spells are also possible.
Elsewhere, it will be dry and sunny, with temperatures rising quickly in the southeast, where it will feel very hot and humid.
Tonight:
Patchy rain will sink south, reaching northern England and Wales, although any rain will mostly fade.
Otherwise, it will be dry with clear spells. A warm night in the south.
Thursday:
A band of thicker cloud will continue to sink south on Thursday, introducing fresher conditions for all.
However, outbreaks of rain, locally heavy at times, will affect northern Scotland.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Friday and the weekend will hold onto a fresher feel. There will be a lot of dry weather with some sunny spells, though one or two showers are also possible.
They added firefighters have already endured an “exceptionally challenging summer” and urged the public to act responsibly as another spell of intense heat arrives.
Emergency crews have already spent days fighting large wildfires in and that forced people to evacuate from their .
On Saturday, as 70 firefighters fought to battle the blaze in Essex.
And, earlier in the month, in Manchester and East Sussex as a “major incident” was declared.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to tackle a blaze raging across the Cairngorms in Scotland.
The emergency services in the Cairngorms had “all resources necessary” to tackle wildfires, the Justice Secretary has said amid backlash to the Scottish Government’s response.
Residents of Nethy Bridge who were evacuated on Friday night were told they could return home on Sunday.
On Sunday afternoon, firefighters said an “intensive operation” is still under way but better conditions, including heavy rain and low winds, have slowed the fire and limited its spread.
Scotland said on Saturday night it was no longer treating the fire as a major incident.
To combat conditions, 23million Brits are now under a temporary in their area, introduced by eight water companies.
The hot spell is then expected to ease from tomorrow as cooler air moves in.
Some isolated showers could also develop later in the week.
Despite the soaring temperatures, weather experts say this will be shorter than the three widespread hot spells already seen this .
July has already been one of the hottest months ever recorded in the UK.
The Met Office says the UK’s average temperature so far this month is 17.5C.
That currently makes July 2026 the second hottest month on record, behind only July 2006, which averaged 17.8C.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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