Britain is preparing for an extended period of high temperatures, with forecasts indicating a heatwave that could be the longest experienced since 1976. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas later this week, with meteorologists predicting the hot weather could persist for up to 14 days in certain regions. This duration rivals the 1976 heatwave, which saw 15 consecutive days with temperatures above 32C.
Parts of southeast England officially entered a heatwave on Monday, having met the regional threshold of 28C for three consecutive days. Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands and southern England, effective from Tuesday morning and lasting until at least Sunday. These alerts signify likely significant impacts on health and social care services, with a potential rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Yellow heat health alerts are in effect for northern England. The UKHSA has also warned of an increased risk of water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
Transportation services are already feeling the effects. Several train services have been canceled or will operate at reduced speeds due to the heat, which can cause rails to buckle and overhead lines to sag. East Midlands Railway has advised passengers to make only essential journeys and to travel before noon to avoid the highest temperatures. Some regional services, such as between Nottingham and Worksop, and Nottingham and Leicester, were suspended from midday on Tuesday. Great Western Railway and Network Rail are advising passengers to carry water, allow extra travel time, and check for updates, though they state travel can still occur. Some GWR services will be amended to reduce disruption during peak heat.
Water companies are implementing or recommending restrictions on water usage. Southern Water has imposed a hosepipe ban for one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, effective Friday, marking the second consecutive year of such restrictions for the area. South East Water's hosepipe ban for 850,000 customers in Kent, which began Friday, followed record demand. Thames Water has asked its 16 million customers across London and surrounding areas to cease using hosepipes and sprinklers during heatwaves to preserve supplies, though a formal ban is not yet in place. Anglian Water has also requested customers avoid hosepipe use, with a ban not being ruled out for the summer.
While southern England experiences intense heat, northern parts of the UK are expected to remain cooler with stronger winds and rain in the early part of the week. However, by the weekend, warm air is forecast to spread north, potentially increasing humidity and the risk of showers or thunderstorms.
The highest temperatures recorded in the UK include 40.3C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on July 19, 2022. Provisional records show a June high of 37.7C in Norfolk on June 26, 2026, and a May high of 35.1C in London on May 26, 2026. Recent days have seen London record temperatures in the low to mid-30s Celsius.
Drivers are advised to take precautions, including checking tire pressures, coolant, and oil levels, and carrying ample water, as vehicle breakdown companies anticipate increased activity. The UK Health Security Agency recommends using sun protection due to high UV levels expected across much of the country.