Britain is experiencing its busiest summer getaway in four years, with an estimated 3.4 million drivers embarking on journeys on Friday alone, as a persistent heatwave continues. Schools in England and Wales have begun their summer holidays, coinciding with warm and dry weather expected to last for at least another week to ten days.
The current heatwave has now reached its second week, with temperatures exceeding 30C for 12 consecutive days in some parts of the country. This prolonged dry spell has left some areas, particularly in southern England, without rain for up to 30 days. The Met Office forecasts that settled and fine conditions will remain locked in, with high pressure dominating the weather patterns.
Transport analysis indicates significant congestion is expected on major routes, including the M1 southbound, M25 clockwise and anti-clockwise, M60 clockwise, and M4 westbound. The Port of Dover anticipates around 7,000 cars passing through on Friday, though initial processing times have been minimal.
While the heatwave is officially expected to end after approximately 14 days, the high temperatures and dry conditions are likely to persist. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter stated that while a more northerly flow may introduce cooler temperatures and end the run of 30C days, some locations could still experience heatwave conditions. London is forecast to reach 25C on Saturday, potentially marking the end of its heatwave conditions after Friday's predicted 29C.
The lack of rainfall has raised concerns about wildfire risks. Firefighters are in their third day of tackling a major wildfire in the Cairngorms, which has led to evacuations of homes, businesses, and campsites in the Glenmore Forest Park area. This incident follows other wildfires that have broken out amid an "exceptionally" high risk due to the dry weather.
This year's summer has seen multiple heatwaves, with 2026 already recording more days above 30C than the entirety of 1976. England has experienced mean temperatures 2.4C above average, with Wales also significantly warmer than normal. The high humidity accompanying the warmth has made conditions particularly uncomfortable. The record for the most 30C-plus days in a calendar year in the UK is 34, set in 1995.