4th JULY, 2026 | News

UK Braces for New Heatwave as Temperatures Set to Reach 34°C

The United Kingdom is preparing for another prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C in parts of southeast England later this week, prompting health warnings and new water restrictions.

According to the Met Office, temperatures are forecast to rise to 29°C on Sunday, climb into the low 30s during the week, and peak at around 34°C on Thursday or Friday in the South East.

Although the upcoming heatwave is expected to last for about a week, forecasters say it will not be as hot or as humid as the record-breaking heat experienced in June.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health alerts covering the East Midlands, East of England, South East, South West and West Midlands. The warnings took effect on Saturday and will remain in place until July 11.

Health officials warned that prolonged high temperatures could pose increased health risks, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions. They also cautioned that hospitals and healthcare services could experience increased demand during the hot spell.

The UKHSA further warned of a heightened risk of water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning, as more people seek relief from the heat.

Meanwhile, water companies have announced additional restrictions to protect supplies. Southern Water confirmed that a hosepipe ban will take effect from July 10 in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, while South East Water has already implemented a temporary hosepipe ban in Kent.

Under the restrictions, residents will be prohibited from using hosepipes for non-essential activities such as watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools or paddling pools, cleaning patios and topping up ornamental ponds.

Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said southern England and Wales would experience the highest temperatures, while northern parts of the UK are expected to remain cooler with more cloud and occasional rainfall.

The latest forecast comes just days after the UK recorded a provisional June temperature record of 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6°C, which had stood since 1976.