UK Forecast Signals More Heatwaves After 37.7C June Record as Late Summer Stays Above Average
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 18
UK Forecast Signals More Heatwaves After 37.7C June Record as Late Summer Stays Above Average
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 18
Summary
Late July and August are likely to stay warmer than normal across the UK, with forecasters saying further hot spells or heatwaves remain possible, especially in England and Wales.
DTN and Met Office long-range outlooks point to a somewhat more changeable pattern, as low pressure brings more showers and thunderstorms—first in northern areas—while nearby high pressure still limits widespread rain.
More rain would ease a prolonged dry spell that has left parts of southern England without measurable rainfall for over four weeks, with hosepipe bans affecting millions and dry vegetation feeding wildfires.
This summer has already broken multiple heat records, including a new UK June high of 37.7C and six days at 35C or above—both surpassing marks set in 1976.
Forecasters say persistent high pressure, parched ground, unusually warm surrounding seas and long-term climate warming are all helping make extreme heat more frequent and intense.
Beyond the heat on land, is a silent 'marine heatwave' the bigger, long-term threat to the UK?
With major water projects decades away, is the UK facing an unavoidable water crisis before 2030?
The UK's 2026 Record Heatwaves: Causes, Impacts, and Urgent Adaptation for a Warming Future
Overview
From May to July 2026, the United Kingdom faced a series of record-breaking heatwaves, starting with temperatures reaching 35.1°C in Kew, London—far surpassing previous records and signaling the onset of extreme weather. This early heat was followed by an even more intense and humid heatwave in June, described as unprecedented for the UK. The persistent high temperatures, including unusually warm nights, highlighted a new pattern of extreme heat. These events were driven by a combination of natural heat domes and the amplifying effects of climate change, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation and resilience.