EXCLUSIVE: A weather expert has warned Brits that the UK could face more heatwaves this summer with the Met Office already confirming a third for 2026 is already here
Brits could be in store for several more heatwaves this year, as people are urged to prepare for a “three-month summer sizzler”.
Britain has just entered its third heatwave already this year, with the mercury forecast to hit 35C this week. The Met Office has warned the upcoming heatwave will bring extensive sunshine and light winds to many southern areas. This comes as the all-time temperature high of 40.3C could be broken in just a few weeks’ time too, with experts warning “it’s on a cliff-edge”.
British Weather Services’ senior meteorologist Jim Dale told the Mirror : “The odds strongly suggest we will go in and out of heatwaves [mainly in] for the next few months, given there is plenty of the summer to go – including September, which is the new summer month.”
The mercury peaked at 34C in Teddington, southwest London, on Monday, the Met Office said. Temperatures, though, are expected to rise throughout this week with the East of England set to the warmest region on Thursday and Friday.
Mr Dale explained how climate change and a super El Niño this year will impact the weather back home.
He said: “Plus climate change continues unabated, ocean and sea temperatures at or approaching record temperatures, and the unknowns of the super El Niño will very likely keep us and much of the northern hemisphere on the boil, literally.
“Historically, the last week of July and the first week of August are on average the hottest times of year, so we have yet to face that cliff edge. The 40.3C all-time record will also be on a cliff edge across the period.”
Dale revealed when the extreme weather and heat might stop hitting the UK for 2026, saying: “I wouldn’t go as far as October for meaningful heatwaves, but put all those dots together and all that remains is the appropriate synoptic situation – i.e. high pressure or a southerly quarter airflow.
“The heatwaves could last most of this July – especially in the southern counties. I’d still go for early August too… and one for the long punt; early September. The heat is on, on, on and on.”
This comes as the Met Office, on Monday, revealed the Southeast of England has now officially met the heatwave criteria, after three days of temperatures above 28C.
Temperatures are set to continue to rise across the UK throughout the week, with more regions are likely to reach their local heatwave thresholds, the forecaster added.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun.”
Pollen levels are expected to be “very high” for most UK regions, even as far north as Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Scottish Borders all week. Experts have warned those with hayfever to take extra measures to minimise the risks, including showers throughout the day where possible to remove pollen stuck to the skin.
