Fourth Heatwave Looms Over UK Amid Escalating Drought and Drowning Crisis
Temperatures set to hit 39C as hosepipe bans affect millions and water safety campaigns intensify.
Sarah Connor
A fourth heatwave is expected to sweep across the UK, bringing with it temperatures that could reach 39C in some regions, exacerbating existing drought conditions and raising urgent water safety concerns.
Temperatures across the country will reach at least 30C, with peaks of 39C predicted in some areas. Scotland expects to remain in the mid-20s Celsius.
North Wales and the Upper Severn declared drought status on Thursday. No rain has fallen in July across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and West Sussex.
Northern parts of the UK could still see some periods of rain or showers. This contrasts sharply with the parched southern regions where anomaly maps show most of the UK shaded in red and black, indicating temperatures well above the seasonal average.
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for London, the South East, the East Midlands, East of England, South West, and West Midlands. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns of possible significant impacts on health and social care services.
A hosepipe ban now affects 10 million Thames Water customers in London. Reservoirs and rivers have dropped to critically low levels, leading to widespread drought warnings and these bans.
Wildfires have erupted across England and Scotland, a direct consequence of the prolonged dry and hot conditions. Dan Stroud confirmed that the continuation of dry and hot conditions elevates the fire risk.
The continuation of dry and hot conditions elevates the fire risk.
Massive forest fires have also forced the evacuation of 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain. A major incident was declared on July 12 for a moor fire near Tintwistle that broke out on July 9.
The Fire Severity Index assesses the severity of a fire if it starts. It bases its assessment on data including rainfall, temperature, and humidity.
Records shattered in June when Lingwood, Strumpshaw Hill recorded 37.7C. This followed a record-breaking May temperature of 35.1C recorded in Kew Gardens.
July ran 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data. London has experienced its longest dry spell since 2018.
Hot spells classify as heatwaves when temperatures exceed area thresholds for three consecutive days. Exeter officially endured a heatwave for 21 days, a run that will likely end on Sunday.
At least 35 drowning deaths in open water have occurred in England since May 2026. This prompted urgent calls for increased water safety awareness, with The Mirror launching its 'Save Lives For Sam' water safety campaign.
A shift in the position of high pressure towards eastern Europe will help draw increasingly warm air northwards. This allows hot conditions to return across much of England and parts of Wales.
Forecasts suggest conditions will turn cooler by next weekend as Atlantic systems bring rain and westerly winds. This offers a potential, albeit temporary, break from the relentless heat.
However, the Met Office expects southern regions to remain relatively settled and very warm towards the end of July and the start of August. Dan Stroud stated that the rain received, though welcome, is 'certainly not enough really to do a huge amount for the dry conditions we’ve already got.'
Dan Stroud indicated that The rain received, though welcome, is certainly not enough really to do a huge amount for the dry conditions we’ve already got.
He added, 'That risk continues.'