Despite a slight drop in temperatures this weekend, the heatwave persists across much of the UK, with health alerts still in effect.
New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: Temperatures in some parts of the UK will feel noticeably cooler this weekend - but the heatwave is set to continue with heat health alerts still in force for nearly all of England.
A strengthening north-easterly wind will shift the hottest spots from south-east England further west across the west Midlands and south-east Wales. This shift in weather patterns is significant, as it highlights the dynamic nature of the UK's climate, particularly during the summer months when heatwaves can lead to various health and al concerns.
On Friday, temperatures exceeded 35C, marking a record for the most days in a calendar year with temperatures above 35C. This brings the total so far in 2026 to six days. Additionally, it also brought the total of days with temperatures above 34C to nine, establishing another record. This surge in temperatures has not been limited to England; parts of Scotland have also entered into a heatwave after experiencing three consecutive days with temperatures at or above 25C. Such extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on regional weather patterns.
Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place across large parts of England until 21:00 BST on Sunday. These alerts are crucial as they inform the public about potential health risks associated with high temperatures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The alerts serve as a reminder for individuals to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and check on those who may be at risk.
In response to the ongoing heatwave, five water companies have announced hosepipe bans due to a lack of rain and increased water demand affecting over five million people. This situation underscores the importance of water conservation measures during prolonged periods of high temperatures, which can lead to increased evaporation rates and higher water usage. The implementation of hosepipe bans is a significant step taken by water companies to manage dwindling water supplies and ensure that there is adequate water for essential uses such as drinking and sanitation.
On Friday, the maximum temperature in England of 35.2C was recorded in Coton-in-the Elms, Derbyshire, while Usk, Monmouthshire saw the highest temperature of 34.3C in Wales. These temperatures are indicative of the extreme heat that has enveloped the region, contributing to the ongoing heatwave conditions. Threave, Dumfries and Galloway recorded Scotland's highest temperature of 29.7C, while the highest temperature in Northern Ireland peaked at 27.4C in Killowen, Co. Down. These records illustrate the widespread nature of the heatwave across the UK, affecting various regions differently.
On Saturday, the highest temperatures are expected to be in the west Midlands, south-east Wales, and parts of southern England, reaching up to 33C. However, a brisk north-easterly wind means that eastern parts of England will feel a noticeable drop in temperatures. This variation in temperature highlights the influence of geographical features and wind patterns on local weather conditions. North Sea coasts from Northumberland to Suffolk could remain cloudy and misty on Saturday but should be much sunnier on Sunday, providing some relief from the oppressive heat. Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see more cloud cover, which may help to moderate temperatures.
Showers in eastern Scotland are expected to die out by Sunday, bringing more sunshine to the region. However, temperatures will be 23 or 24C at best, with eastern Scotland remaining cooler due to the persistent cloud cover. On Sunday, as the wind strengthens, temperatures will dip a few degrees lower still in England and Wales, but could still reach 30C in southern England. This fluctuation in temperatures over the weekend serves as a reminder of the variability of summer weather in the UK, which can shift rapidly from heatwave conditions to cooler, more temperate weather.
These changes to the weather do not signify an end to the heatwave. It is set to heat up again next week, and while it will not be as hot as the past seven days, the heatwave criteria could be met in more of the UK by Wednesday or Thursday. High pressure will remain centered to the north of the UK, and the brisk east to north-easterly winds will gradually lessen, allowing warmer air from northern France to push back into southern England. Here, temperatures are expected to climb back up to 32 or 33C.
Current forecasts suggest that somewhere in the UK will reach 30C or more for 12 consecutive days, which would further extend the current heatwave. This prolonged period of high temperatures raises concerns about the potential impacts on public health, agriculture, and water resources. Such conditions can exacerbate existing health issues, strain water supplies, and affect crop yields, leading to broader economic implications.
For most places, the answer is no, as the dry conditions persist. However, with lower pressure sitting on the other side of the English Channel, the far south-west of England could see some showers on Monday. These showers are expected to die out as they move further north on Tuesday, indicating a lack of sustained rainfall across the majority of the UK. It is not until the end of the week that the chance of rain appears greater, although this is currently forecast to be confined to southern parts of England, and perhaps only briefly.
Most of the downpours may occur over the near continent, as high pressure is expected to build back across the UK next weekend from the Atlantic. This would bring a cooler wind but no significant rain, further prolonging the dry conditions that have led to the current water shortages. Looking further ahead, temperatures are most likely to remain above average, with some hot days anticipated, especially in central, southern, and eastern regions. This trend aligns with broader climate patterns observed in recent years, where warmer summers have become increasingly common.
There will be a lot of dry weather, with occasional rain primarily affecting northern areas. Although, according to the Met Office's three-month outlook, near-average rainfall is expected for July, August, and September, there are large regional variations that could lead to differential impacts across the UK. This variability in rainfall patterns emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.
Millions of people across the south-east of England will be affected by hosepipe bans due to concerns over the lack of rainfall. Anglian Water has introduced its first hosepipe ban in a decade, which applies to customers in the east of England and begins at 01:00 BST on Saturday. Additionally, a ban for one million households supplied by Southern Water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has also come into force, highlighting the widespread nature of the water scarcity issues. South East Water has its own restrictions in place, further indicating the severity of the situation.
On Thursday, Cambridge Water announced its first hosepipe ban in 30 years, a stark reminder of the changing climate and its impacts on water availability. The past winter months from December 2025 through to February 2026 brought an overall 13% more rainfall compared to average in the UK. However, stark regional differences were evident, with England experiencing 42% more than average while Scotland received 14% below average. This disparity in rainfall highlights the challenges of water management in a changing climate.
Following this, the spring that followed was overall 14% below the long-term meteorological average in terms of rainfall for the UK, with significant regional variation. Northern England had 90% of its average rainfall, whereas southern England saw just 50%. Some areas in the south-east and east of England experienced particularly low rainfall, with Suffolk (33%), Kent (33%), Essex (34%), Cambridgeshire (35%), and the City of London (36%) all seeing around a third of their average seasonal rainfall. This situation underscores the need for effective water management strategies and public awareness regarding water conservation.
In conclusion, while some areas may experience a slight respite from the heat this weekend, the overarching heatwave continues, prompting health alerts and water restrictions across the UK. As the climate continues to change, the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves are likely to increase, making it imperative for individuals, communities, and policymakers to adapt to these evolving conditions. Awareness and preparedness will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on health, agriculture, and water resources in the future.
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