Britain could be heading for its fourth heatwave of 2026, with weather model data showing temperatures potentially soaring to 39C on August 6 — which would be the hottest day of the year
Britain could soon be bracing for another scorching heatwave that could send the mercury soaring as high as 39C – potentially making it the hottest day this year.
The warmest day across the UK so far in 2024 occurred on June 26 when temperatures hit 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk. But several counties could well surge beyond this mark and reach at least 38C as August kicks off, weather model data suggests.
A fresh bout of sweltering conditions would mark the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year. The Met Office has already indicated that things could turn “very warm” once more by early August – hot on the heels of heatwaves that struck in May, June and July.
The GFS weather model indicates temperatures climbing back to 30C next Monday, with southern and western areas of England hitting that mark. It then predicts 11 straight days where the mercury peaks at no less than 30C – building up to an absolute scorcher on August 6.
Temperatures could climb to 38-39C quite extensively across eastern and south-eastern regions of England, including London, on August 6, the data reveals. The Midlands could witness highs of 36-37C, while parts of South Yorkshire might reach 31C, reports the Mirror.
Temperature anomaly charts for this timeframe show England and Wales bathed in deep red shading. This highlights areas where temperatures will climb well beyond the seasonal norm.
GFS model projections suggest 10 counties could hit 38C or higher at the start of next month. All are located in England.
UK counties facing 38C or more:
Cambridgeshire
Norfolk
Suffolk
Essex
Bedfordshire
Hertfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Surrey
Sussex
Kent
Met Office weather forecast
The Met Office has predicted “fairly changeable” weather for the remainder of July, with a mix of “wet spells” and “some drier and more settled interludes”. Despite this varied outlook, it anticipates that “temperatures are still expected to be above average overall”.
The national weather agency also hinted at the “potential for further heatwaves” in August. However, it noted that current Met Office forecasts suggest any additional scorching periods will likely occur later in the month.
That said, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of temperatures climbing above 30C in the near future. The Met Office has indicated that “temperatures [will be] possibly approaching 30C in places by Friday” this week, with the south-east expected to see the warmest conditions.