The UK's third heatwave of 2026 is drawing to a close this weekend, but new weather models show that nine English counties could face temperatures of 35C or higher later this month, with a potential record 36C blast in the east.
Current Conditions and Weekend Forecast
The Met Office reports that temperatures will remain around 30C to 31C across the country through the week until Saturday, July 18, before dropping sharply on Sunday. Southern areas can expect highs of 25C, while northern regions will see around 22C. The agency describes conditions as “dry and settled” into the weekend, with “cloud amounts generally increasing.” Despite the drop towards the seasonal average, the weather should still feel “pleasant in the sunshine.”
New Heatwave Predicted for Late July
However, an uncomfortable heat could return as early as the following weekend. The GFS weather model now predicts temperatures to surge back as high as 36C on July 25-26. According to the model, July 25 (Saturday) could bring highs of 34C and 35C in western England, 33C in Wales, 34C in the Midlands, and 34C in the south-east. The next day, July 26, data shows highs of 36C for the east of England. Temperatures could also reach 34C or 35C as far north as South Yorkshire, while Scotland is expected to remain slightly cooler.
Anomaly maps for that weekend show most of the UK shaded in orange and red, indicating temperatures will climb well above the seasonal average. In total, the GFS model maps highlight nine English counties that could see temperatures of 35C or above.
Counties Facing 35C or More
- Yorkshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Lincolnshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- Gloucestershire
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office also expects temperatures to remain above average towards the end of July, but with an increased chance of thunderstorms. Their forecast for July 19 to July 28 states: “Towards the latter part of July, the influence of high pressure may wane somewhat, allowing a greater chance of rain, showers or thunderstorms compared to earlier in the month. Overall, temperatures are expected to remain above average during this period.”
