Weather forecasting models suggest the UK could face its fifth heatwave of the year later this month, with temperatures possibly rising as high as 34C once more
Following highs of 35C on Wednesday this week, Met Office forecasters say temperatures should cool off as we head towards the weekend.
This week’s hot spell was the fourth heatwave of 2026. And weather modelling data now suggests the fifth may be right around the corner.
The GFS weather model shows temperatures rising again on Sunday next week (August 9) with 31C highs possible in Gloucestershire, and 29-30C possible quite widely in western and southern areas.
Data then shows highs of 34C coming in the south-east of England on August 10, in and around London. Much of south-eastern England could see 32C highs, with the Midlands rising to 30-31C.
August 11 could also bring some scorching conditions, the GFS model shows, with highs of 32C possible in East Anglia and Essex.
Temperature anomaly maps for this period show England and Wales shaded in areas of dark red – indicating that temperatures should rise well above the seasonal average.
The maps show a total of 15 counties could see temperatures of 32C or more. They are all in England.
UK counties facing 32C or more
- Cambridgeshire
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire
- Suffolk
- Essex
- Buckinghamshire
- Warwickshire
- Berkshire
- Hertfordshire
- Wiltshire
- Hampshire
- Surrey
- Kent
- Sussex
- Middlesex
Met Office weather forecast
The Met Office says temperatures should be “much closer to average across most of the UK” from tomorrow.
The forecast says: “Saturday will have a chilly start for many, but there will be lots of dry weather with some sunny spells, although one or two showers are possible.”
Its forecast for August 3 to August 12 adds that there will still be “the potential for some warmer interludes, especially in the south”. However, we could also see “widespread and heavier rain along with some strong winds” at times too.
Any heat is not expected to be as sweltering as we have seen in recent weeks, thankfully.