THE Met Office has revealed when the UK’s third heatwave of the summer will end.
Temperatures are set to soar to 35C in a matter of hours – and it will remain hot and sunny into the weekend and next week.
The beaches of Studland in Dorset as the south of England heats up Credit: BNPS
The Met Office says temperatures on Friday could hit 35C Credit: MET OFFICE
The mercury began rising over last weekend before meeting the forecaster’s criteria on Monday.
And it’s expected to continue for an extended period, with amber and yellow heat-health alerts having been issued for swathes of the country.
The Met Office said: “The very warm conditions are likely to last into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
“Into early next week, temperatures are likely to trend down slightly, although many areas will stay dry, fine and still warm.”
Sunseekers flock to the beaches of Studland today to enjoy the red hot weather on the coast in Dorset Credit: BNPS
People enjoying the warm weather while on the River Cam in Cambridge Credit: PA
It had previously said: “Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius across much of southern from the start of the week, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35°C later in the week.”
Today a high of 33C is expected and Thursday could hit 34C.
Yesterday, the hottest temperature was recorded in Teddington in Richmond upon Thames at 32.4C.
This ‘s first two heatwaves saw highs of 35.1C in May and a record-shattering 37.7C in June.
While such highs are not likely in the coming days, if storms hold off the weather could become one of the longest lasting heatwaves on record.
They could possibly even threaten the 15 consecutive days in June and July 1976.
It comes as East Midlands Railway announced plans to suspend numerous services this week due to the rising temperatures.
The rail operator cancelled some services on Tuesday as several trains required repairs due to “heat-related issues”.
A man swims in the sea on July 7, 2026 near Broadstairs, England Credit: Getty
People enjoy a warm and sunny day on the beach in Sandbanks, near Poole, Dorset Credit: BNPS
Customers have been urged to only make “essential journeys” for the rest of the week, check their journeys before they travel and to expect disruption.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year.
“However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking.
“Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s Celsius, and a few places could reach 34-35°C later this week.”
Third heatwave of year to bring prolonged spell of hot and dry weather Credit: MET Office
As humidity rises throughout the week so does the risk of thunderstorms Credit: Alamy
Amber alerts have been issued for the Midlands, southern and eastern England until 9pm on July 12 with most of the hotter temperatures forecast for the south.
Despite a cooler start to the week, warmer is forecast for the north and this weekend.
The UKHSA has issued northern England with a yellow alert for the same period.
The warmth is expected to move further north as the heatwave continues and the northwest and could hit the high 20s.
Eastern areas of the UK will cool slightly at the end of the week as an easterly wind arrives.
Despite the soaring temperatures, humidity levels will be lower than last month’s record breaking heatwave making it feel less intense.
Mr Keates said: “Night-time temperatures again will not be as high as what we experienced in June, though some larger urban areas are likely to remain in the high teens Celsius overnight, especially later in the week, and there is a chance that a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20°C) may be recorded in a few places.”
A few tropical nights – when temperatures do not drop below 20C – are still expected.
Sun seekers should wear sun protection and keep hydrated as temperatures soar.
The Met Office has also urged anyone hoping to cool off to beware of cold water shock following
Sun seekers should wear sun protection and keep hydrated as temperatures soar.
The Met Office has also urged anyone hoping to cool off to beware of cold water shock following
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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