THE UK’s third heatwave of the year could reach highs of 36C today as another weekend of sun arrives.

Brits are flooding to beaches today as swathes of the country will bask in temperatures of over 30C.

Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, UK, 9th July 2026, Weather: Hot and people are on the beach and in the sea in the afternoon during the third and longest heatwave of the summer. Credit: Paul Biggins/Alamy Live NewsBrits flocked to Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, yesterday afternoon to catch some rays Credit: Alamy The Debenhams July Festival 2026 - Ladies Day - Newmarket RacecourseRacegoer shelters from the heat ahead of The Debenhams July Festival at Newmarket racecourse Credit: PA

The extensive sunshine and dry is set to last for the rest of the week but temperatures will slightly ease in the south and east of after today’s high.

The southwest will stay warm into next week and the region will see the highest temperatures.

However, today the hottest area will be the Midlands as The Met Office forecasts Birmingham will hit 35C this afternoon, with potential for 36C.

Swathes of the country have been issued with amber and yellow heat alerts as the heatwave continues.

NINTCHDBPICT001094467434Today’s weather map showing Birmingham as the hottest place in the country Credit: MET Office Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. 9th July, 2026. UK Weather: The beach at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis is busy with sunbathers soaking up scorching hot sunshine on Thursday afternoon. A July heatwave is predicted this week as temperatures continue to soarThe beach at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis is busy with sunbathers Credit: Alamy Day Eleven: The Championships - Wimbledon 2026Spectators on The Hill sit under umbrellas on day eleven of Wimbledon Credit: Getty Royal visit to Zoological Society of London at London ZooKing Charles III during a visit to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Zoological Society of London Credit: PA

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current is likely to last.

“While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won’t be a straightforward end to the warm weather.

“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards.

“This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest.

“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool.

“It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.

“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest.”

Over the weekend, Saturday will is expected to reach 34C before a slight drop to 33C on Sunday.

Summer weather July 10th 2026Swimmers enjoy the sunshine as the heatwave continues in Peterborough Credit: Paul Marriott Amber alert for extreme heat announced as UK braces for longest heatwave in 50 yearsVisitors to London Zoo use fans to cool themselves from the hot weather Credit: EPA

For and temperatures will hit the high 20s today before dipping to the mid 20s on Saturday.

This heatwave will be the longest klasting of the year so far, and could even reach the 1976 record.

Humidity levels are forecast to stay lower meaning cooler nights for most areas although cities will likely keep warm overnight.

The heat brings a slight risk of thunderstorms today, especially for western England, but high pressure should keep the country dry.

“A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start.”

Forecasters say the temperature gauge will slowly drop as the warm weather eases into the northwest with temperatures staying in the mid-to-high 20s for a prolonged period.

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