Britain is bracing for an extended period of blistering heat, with the current record-breaking heatwave expected to persist for up to 10 more days. Temperatures have surpassed 30C (86F) for 11 consecutive days, marking 2026 as the first year on record to experience temperatures exceeding 35C (95F) in May, June, and July, according to the Met Office.
The mercury reached 30.5C (86.9F) in Hurn, Dorset, on Wednesday, and high temperatures are forecast to continue through the weekend and into the following week. This sustained warmth has exacerbated the risk and spread of wildfires across the country.
Wildfires Challenge Firefighters
Firefighters are currently battling a significant wildfire that ignited on Saturday on moorland in Greater Manchester. The blaze, which began at Dove Stone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, has rapidly expanded and merged with another fire at Tintwistle Moor.
In Scotland, firefighters are still engaged with a wildfire that broke out in the Cairngorms National Park. Residents in affected areas were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The Scottish Government's Justice Secretary, Neil Gray, confirmed the wildfire was contained by Thursday afternoon, with no casualties reported. However, a high wildfire warning remains in effect across Scotland until Monday, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
The RSPB reported that approximately 300 hectares of land were burned in the Cairngorms. The charity's staff and volunteers assisted in fighting the blaze, noting that helicopter support was unavailable, believed to be deployed to wildfires south of the border.
Persistent Heat and Record Conditions
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter indicated that while temperatures might drop slightly into the mid-20s Celsius on Friday, they will remain high enough to prolong the heatwave. "The high pressure will continue for the next week or so at least, but will shift enough to enable a more northerly flow that will introduce a cooler feel that will end the run of 30C days," Hayter stated.
England has experienced mean temperatures 2.4C above the average for this time of year. Wales is also significantly warmer than average, while Scotland and Northern Ireland, though closer to their seasonal norms, are still running above average. Met Office science manager Amy Doherty highlighted that 2026 has already recorded more days above 30C than the entirety of 1976 and noted the unusual persistence of warm overnight temperatures and high humidity, making this summer start one of the most remarkable on record.
Isolated showers are possible over the weekend during a slight temperature dip, but significant rainfall is not anticipated in the immediate future. The dry conditions and soil moisture deficit contribute to the challenges in combating the ongoing heat and fire risks.