Britain set for third heatwave of 2026 next week with temperatures of up to 33C

Forecasters say Britain is increasingly likely to face its third heatwave of 2026 next week, with temperatures forecast to peak at about 33C from Monday to Wednesday.

The latest outlook points to a spell of warm weather driven by high pressure moving in from the Azores. Met Office forecaster Tony Wisson said a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, but added that temperatures and humidity are not expected to be as extreme as they were during the previous week.

The forecast follows an exceptional late-June hot spell in the UK. According to earlier reporting, the country saw a June high of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, while the first heatwave of the year brought a May peak of 35.1C. The all-time UK temperature record of 40.3C, set in July 2022, is not expected to be challenged.

What forecasters are saying

The new forecast suggests the hottest conditions will build through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. That would mark a third heatwave of 2026 if official heatwave criteria are met in enough parts of the country.

The Met Office view is that the pattern is becoming more favorable for heat, but with less severe conditions than the latest bout of record-breaking warmth.

Why it matters

Another run of hot weather could put pressure on public health services, schools, transport operators, power demand and water use. Older people and other vulnerable groups remain at the greatest risk during prolonged heat.

Recent heat already had knock-on effects across the UK, with reporting of disruption to services and strain on the energy system during the late-June spell.

What to watch next

The key question is whether the forecast holds through the start of next week and which regions reach heatwave thresholds.

Watch for the next Met Office update and any changes to UK Health Security Agency alerts before the hotter weather arrives.