The United Kingdom is preparing for another wave of extreme heat, with forecasters predicting temperatures could climb as high as 34°C on Friday and possibly Saturday—marking the third time this year the country has exceeded official heatwave thresholds.
Meteorologists expect the heat to persist into early next week, prompting the UK Health Security Agency to extend its yellow heat health alerts across all regions of England.
These warnings, now active until 10:00 BST on 15 July, highlight the potential strain on health and social care systems, including a possible rise in mortality and increased demand for medical services. Yellow alerts indicate a moderate level of concern, less severe than the amber warnings issued during previous hot spells in 2025.
Charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society, have called for heightened vigilance during the heatwave, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
“High temperatures can lead to severe health problems for those with dementia,” the organisation warned, urging caregivers and communities to take extra precautions.
On Thursday, southern parts of England, including the south Midlands, central southern, and south-east regions, are forecast to see highs between 30°C and 32°C. However, above-average temperatures are expected across the entire country.
In Scotland, the Fire and Rescue Service has issued an “extreme wildfire warning” from Friday through Monday, covering multiple regions. The public is being urged to avoid using open flames, with officials noting that recent warm conditions have already led to several wildfire incidents.
Despite the spike, this heatwave is not expected to surpass 2025’s current peak temperature of 35.8°C, recorded in Faversham, Kent, on 1 July. According to the Met Office, a heatwave is defined as three or more consecutive days where regional temperature thresholds are met or exceeded.
Following a record-hot opening day at Wimbledon, where temperatures reached 32.2°C, the final matches this weekend are also expected to take place under intense heat. Saturday could bring highs of 33°C to 34°C in parts of England and Wales, though it is unlikely to break Wimbledon’s all-time finals day record of 34.1°C set in 1976.
By Friday, the warmest conditions will shift northward into Scotland and Northern Ireland, which could experience their hottest days of the year so far. On Sunday, a cooler breeze from the northeast is expected to push the hottest air toward central England and eastern Wales, potentially signaling the end of the heatwave by Tuesday.
Amid the ongoing heat, England is facing its driest start to the year since 1976, according to the Environment Agency. Nearly three-quarters of the country’s reservoirs saw declining levels throughout June, with widespread below-average water storage now reported.
In response to water scarcity concerns, Yorkshire Water has announced a hosepipe ban beginning Friday. Under the restrictions, residents will be prohibited from activities such as garden watering, car washing, and filling paddling pools to conserve regional water supplies.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have urged the government to introduce public “cool hubs” with air conditioning in libraries, gyms, and other community spaces.
“Cool hubs could provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our communities who are struggling in the sweltering conditions,” said energy spokesperson Pippa Heylings.
So far in 2025, the UK has recorded 25 heatwave days—defined as days when at least one location hits the required threshold—making this one of the hottest years on record. Only 1989 and 2018 saw more heatwave days by this time of year, with 26 and 34 respectively, according to weather tracking service Starlings Roost Weather.
Temperatures during this period are 7°C to 10°C above the seasonal average for mid-July. While experts caution that attributing individual weather events directly to climate change is complex, scientists widely agree that global warming is contributing to more frequent, longer, and more intense heatwaves.
