The UK is preparing for a new heatwave starting next week after a brief cooling trend on Sunday, July 26, 2026. While some regions are finally ending 21-day heat streaks, high pressure will soon push temperatures in England and Wales back toward 32C or 33C, renewing risks of wildfires and water shortages.
Relief from the summer heat has arrived for some, but it is temporary. Sunday brought cloud cover and rain to southern and eastern areas, with temperatures dropping by a couple of degrees. For locations like Exeter in Devon and Usk in Monmouthshire, this dip marks the end to their third heatwave of the year, breaking a streak of 21 consecutive days above the heatwave threshold.
The respite is regional. While the south-east saw mid-20s Celsius and the north saw mid-teens, heatwave conditions persisted across much of England and Wales. In south-east Wales and south-west England, highs of 31-33C remained possible, while western Northern Ireland saw temperatures reach or exceed the 25C threshold.
High Pressure and the Next Heatwave Peak
The current cooling is a transition rather than a conclusion. High pressure is expected to build close to the south of the UK next week, stalling rain-bearing fronts and confining wet weather primarily to northern and western areas, including north-west Scotland.
As the brisk north-easterly winds lessen, warmer air from northern France will push back into southern England. This shift is expected to drive temperatures back up to 32 or 33C.
The persistence of this heat is pushing historical boundaries. Friday saw temperatures exceed 35C, which set a record for the most 35+C days in a calendar year, totaling six so far in 2026. The number of days reaching 34+C has also hit a record nine.
Wildfire Risks and Health Alerts
The combination of high temperatures, dry ground, and freshening winds has created what the Met Office describes as extreme wildfire conditions for many parts of England and Wales.
“When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.”
National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson, via AOL
Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency stayed in force across large portions of England until 21:00 BST on Sunday.
Water Shortages and Hosepipe Bans
The prolonged dry spell has forced critical water management decisions. More than five million people are currently under hosepipe bans due to increased demand and a lack of rainfall.
- Anglian Water: Introduced its first ban in a decade for customers in the east of England, starting Saturday at 01:00 BST.
- Cambridge Water: Announced its first hosepipe ban in 30 years on Thursday.
- Southern Water: Restrictions are in place for one million households in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- South East Water: Currently maintaining its own set of restrictions.
Rainfall Forecasts and Outlook
For those hoping for rain, the prospects remain slim. While low pressure over the English Channel may bring showers to the far south-west of England on Monday, these are expected to die out by Tuesday. A greater chance of rain is not forecast until the end of the week, and even then, it will likely be brief and confined to southern England.
Looking toward next weekend, high pressure is forecast to build back across the UK from the Atlantic. This shift should bring a cooler wind, though it is not expected to deliver significant rain.
The immediate stakes involve a potential milestone in duration: current forecasts suggest a possibility that somewhere in the UK will reach 30C or more for 12 consecutive days, though this streak may end by next weekend.
