"Heatwave Countdown: How Long Will the UK's Scorching Weather Last, According to the Met Office?"

THE UK is currently basking in its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures set to hit 36C.

In the UK, a is officially declared when a location records at three consecutive days where the daily maximum temperature meets or exceeds a designated threshold.

Spectators watch the Gentlemen’s Singles quarter-final match between Arthur Fery of Great Britain and Flavio Cobolli of Italy on Day 10 of Wimbledon 2026 Credit: PA

This temperature threshold varies from place to place, ranging from 25C up to 28C in London and parts of the south-east.

South-east England after three straight days above 28C.

Now, .

When will the heatwave end?

The current heatwave is expected to hit its peak on Thursday and Friday (July 9 and 10).

Temperatures will “widely exceed 30C” across the UK, with parts of England predicted to hit 36C.

Amber health alerts are in place for the Midlands and southern England. The warnings are active from 9am on Wednesday (July 8) until 9pm on Sunday (July 12).

The has revealed that the UK is in for a slow ease rather than a dramatic, abrupt end to the high temperatures.

Forecasters say the heat will only gradually cool across southern and eastern parts of England over the weekend and into next week, with “very warm” set to cling on in the South West.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are also set for continued warmer temperatures, with highs reaching up to 28C on Friday before dipping into the mid-20s over the weekend.

What is the Met Office’s forecast for the rest of July?

According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast from Monday, July 13 to Wednesday, July 22, high pressure to the north will keep things broadly settled and warm for most of the UK.

It will remain warm or very warm, and potentially hot at times in the South West, though probably not as warm as it is right now.

But there is a risk of thunderstorms sweeping in from France into the south of the UK at times.

Looking further ahead from Thursday, July 23 to Thursday, August 6, the weather turns into a mixed bag.

Unsettled spells and low pressure will bring a higher chance of rain and more thunderstorms.

But temperatures are likely to stay warm or very warm, with further hot spells still highly possible.