England Braces for Extreme Heatwave Amidst Worsening Drought
Temperatures set to exceed 30C, with forecasts indicating peaks of 37C next week across southern regions.
Carla Rooney
England faces a new heatwave with temperatures expected to surpass 30C.
A location meets this threshold by recording at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures at or exceeding the county-specific heatwave temperature threshold.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as "an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity."
Long-range forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above average, particularly in the south, with the potential to become very warm or hot.
This warm spell is expected to last for at least six days; WXCharts.com projections show substantial portions of England turning red on August 12 and 13 due to elevated temperatures.
The most intense heat will concentrate on London and the South East, where forecasts indicate peaks of approximately 31C to 32C. Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex, and neighboring counties bear the brunt.
Netweather maps suggest temperatures will begin to climb on Sunday, soaring above 30C. Hot conditions are expected to persist for six days.
On Sunday, August 9, highs of 34C are forecast, with much of the south reaching 32C or higher. Elsewhere, highs above 30C are also expected.
The East and West Midlands both sit at around 32C, and Suffolk will also see highs of 32C. Northern England, despite being slightly cooler, will also experience warm conditions, with Greater Manchester having the chance of reaching 29C.
On Monday, these sweltering conditions are set to remain, only intensifying. Highs of 37C are forecast in Berkshire, nearing the record 38C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26.
Temperature records broke in May and June, with daily temperatures often exceeding 30C. The summer of 2026 has already included record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, leading to over 2,800 excess deaths.
Firefighters have tackled wildfires across the country, including in Dunwich, Suffolk, and the Cairngorms, as the nation grapples with ongoing dry conditions.