Britain is bracing for another day of extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C across parts of south-east England as the country’s third heatwave of 2026 continues.
Meteorologists say the prolonged spell of hot weather could become one of the longest heatwaves on record if current conditions persist into next week.
Forecasters expect the hottest conditions to peak over Thursday and Friday before temperatures ease slightly over the weekend.
However, many areas are still expected to remain above official heatwave thresholds, allowing the event to continue despite the modest drop in temperatures.
Met Office Says Heat Will Shift Rather Than Disappear
The Met Office expects high pressure to dominate much of next week, although the hottest conditions are forecast to migrate from the South-East toward south-west England.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree explained that while eastern areas may become slightly cooler due to easterly winds, the South-West could continue experiencing heatwave conditions, with isolated thunderstorms also becoming possible.
London’s official heatwave threshold of 28C is forecast to be exceeded for several more days, extending a hot spell that began over the weekend.
Record Number of Extremely Hot Days Already Logged in 2026
The UK recorded 34.4C at Wisley in Surrey on Thursday afternoon, marking another exceptionally hot day during what has already become a historic summer.
Meteorologists noted that Britain has now experienced eight days above 34C during 2026, setting a new calendar-year record.
Earlier this year, the country also recorded its hottest May and June temperatures on record, while climate experts confirmed western Europe experienced its warmest June ever measured.
Although the current heatwave has not yet surpassed the famous 1976 event, which produced 16 consecutive days above 30C in London, forecasters say it remains possible if the hot weather continues into next week.
Rail Operators Warn Against Non-Essential Travel
The intense temperatures have disrupted transport services across England, with East Midlands Railway urging customers to travel only if absolutely necessary.
The operator advised passengers to complete journeys before midday where possible, while suspending some regional services to reduce the risk of infrastructure failures caused by extreme heat.
Other rail companies, including Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, London Northwestern Railway, West Midlands Railway, c2c and Transport for Wales, also introduced amended timetables.
Rail infrastructure becomes increasingly vulnerable during extreme heat, as steel tracks can exceed 50C, increasing the risk of rail buckling, overhead wire sagging and lineside fires.
Health Authorities Warn of Increased Medical Pressure
Health officials have extended amber heat health alerts across the Midlands and southern England through at least Sunday, warning that hospitals and ambulance services are likely to face sustained pressure.
NHS England said the dangerous temperatures pose the greatest risk to elderly people and those with underlying health conditions, while the UK Health Security Agency warned that heat-related deaths could increase during the prolonged spell.
Yellow heat alerts remain in place across parts of northern England.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Visit London Zoo During Heatwave
Despite the soaring temperatures, King Charles III and Queen Camilla carried out a public engagement at London Zoo to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London.
The royal couple participated in animal health demonstrations, including listening to penguins’ heartbeats using stethoscopes, while visitors across the country sought relief at beaches, swimming pools, parks and fountains.
Wildfire Risk Increases as Fire Services Respond to Blazes
Emergency services have warned that dry vegetation combined with persistent heat has significantly increased wildfire risks across parts of England.
More than 30 firefighters responded to a major crop fire near Bridport in Dorset after sparks created by agricultural machinery ignited dry fields, destroying approximately 30 acres of crops.
The National Fire Chiefs Council urged the public to avoid activities that could spark fires, including using disposable barbecues or discarding cigarettes in dry countryside.
Fire crews in Surrey also battled several wildfires during the week, including one believed to have been caused by discarded glass.
Water Restrictions Expand Across England
Several water companies have introduced or announced hosepipe bans as prolonged dry weather places increasing pressure on reservoirs and rivers.
South East Water already has restrictions in place across Kent, while Southern Water is introducing a ban affecting around one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Cambridge Water has also confirmed its first hosepipe ban in more than 30 years, beginning on July 17. Thames Water and Anglian Water have not yet imposed formal restrictions but continue urging customers to reduce water usage.
Heatwave Impacts Schools, Farming and Energy Supplies
New education data revealed school attendance fell sharply during the June heatwave, with pupil absence reaching 18.4 percent on the hottest day as hundreds of schools either closed or operated partially due to extreme temperatures.
Agricultural businesses are also feeling the effects. Waitrose confirmed that harvesting at its Hampshire-based Leckford Estate has begun earlier than ever before after crops ripened unusually quickly during the prolonged warmth.
Meanwhile, the National Energy System Operator issued another electricity margin notice, warning that exceptionally high temperatures across Europe are increasing pressure on power generation and electricity demand.
Safety Warnings Issued for Water and Vulnerable People
Authorities continue urging the public to exercise caution around open water after a 19-year-old kayaker is feared to have died off the Northumberland coast.
The RNLI warned that cold water shock remains a significant danger even during periods of hot weather, advising swimmers to enter water gradually and follow flotation safety guidance in emergencies.
Health experts have also highlighted growing concerns for people living with dementia.
Analysis from the UK Health Security Agency found dementia contributed to around one in six heat-related deaths recorded in England last summer, prompting renewed calls for families and carers to check regularly on vulnerable relatives during periods of extreme heat.
Climate Experts Link Repeated Heatwaves to Warming Trends
Scientists from the Copernicus Climate Change Service said June 2026 became the hottest June ever recorded across western Europe and the second warmest globally.
Researchers said the succession of intense heatwaves during May, June and now July reflects a climate system continuing to accumulate heat, increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Europe.
Climate experts warned that rising temperatures are placing growing pressure on public health, infrastructure, agriculture and natural ecosystems, with future summers expected to bring increasingly frequent periods of prolonged heat.
