The scorching heatwave that has turned much of England and Wales into a giant outdoor oven will persist until at least next week, the Met Office has announced, in news that will surprise absolutely no one who has stepped outside recently.
Temperatures will continue to exceed 30°C on Sunday and into next week, with a provisional maximum of 33°C recorded in Yelverton, Devon on Saturday. The Met Office notes that 2026 is the first year in which the UK has recorded temperatures of 35°C on six days - beating 1976 and 2020, which managed a paltry five each. This year has also broken the record for days at 34°C or higher, with nine so far, and is the first to see 35°C or higher across three months. Summer, it seems, is really leaning into the whole "climate change" thing.
Emergency services are warning of an extreme risk of wildfires this weekend. The London Fire Brigade has begged people not to use disposable barbecues, because apparently the combination of dry heat and flying embers is a bad idea. The risk in London has escalated from "elevated" to "extreme" until Monday, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed.
The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, are worried about excessive calls during England's World Cup game against Norway on Saturday evening. They urge people to call 999 only for immediate danger or crimes in progress - other offences can be reported online. Apparently, the heat is making everyone a bit dramatic.
Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster, helpfully reminds us to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on friends and family. He also advises checking water temperature before taking a dip, because cold water shock is a real risk. "The water still can be quite cold," he said, "so make sure you’re fully aware of that."
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the West Midlands and the south-west from 9am Sunday to 9pm Wednesday, meaning significant impacts are likely for health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among the elderly and those with health conditions. Yellow alerts cover the East Midlands, north-west, south-east, east of England, and London, with warnings of potential water-related incidents.
Tragically, the body of an 18-year-old man was recovered from water near Darley Abbey Mills, Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty. Another 18-year-old man died at Dovestone reservoir near Oldham on Friday, and a woman's body was recovered from Falls of Falloch in Stirling. The heat is not just uncomfortable - it's deadly.
UV levels are forecast to be very high (level 8) across most of England and Wales on Sunday, so slap on the sunscreen. Pollen levels are also high or very high, particularly in Wales and the south-west. Hayfever sufferers, we feel your pain.
Water firms have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge area, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and parts of Kent. Southern Water's ban for 1 million customers kicked off Friday, followed by Anglian Water's for 5 million on Saturday. Cambridge Water imposed a ban for 350,000 customers - the first in 30 years - with enforcement starting next Friday. South East Water was first out of the gate on July 3 for parts of Kent. Because nothing says "summer fun" like not being allowed to water your petunias.