The United Kingdom may be on the brink of experiencing its third heatwave within a month by mid-July, according to forecasts from the Met Office. This potential surge in temperatures follows two intense heatwaves at the end of June, which made headlines as some of the hottest days ever recorded across parts of the country.
Meteorologist Zoe Hutin has indicated that rising heat and humidity could return during the second weekend of July, possibly extending into the following week. While it’s still too early to pinpoint exact temperature peaks, there is a strong possibility that certain regions might meet the official criteria for a heatwave. For those unfamiliar, a heatwave in the UK is defined as a period where temperatures remain at or above specific thresholds—25°C in northern and western areas, and 28°C in London and surrounding counties—for three consecutive days.
The recent heatwaves were particularly extreme, with Faversham in Kent recording nearly 36°C last week. These conditions contributed to making June the hottest on record for England, raising concerns about how quickly such weather patterns are becoming more frequent.
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts that temperatures in the South East could reach the high 20s Celsius on July 9, potentially climbing into the low 30s the following day. The persistence of high-pressure systems over the Atlantic and Azores is expected to play a key role in drawing warm air toward the UK, prolonging hot conditions through the weekend and into the early part of the next week. Southern and eastern regions are most likely to bear the brunt of this sustained heat, though precise peak temperatures remain uncertain at this stage.
Despite these predictions, the immediate forecast brings some relief. Ms. Hutin notes that the coming weekend and start of the following week will see cooler conditions overall, with cloudier skies and intermittent rain, especially in western areas. The South East should expect drier weather but may still experience light drizzle on Saturday and isolated showers on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to hover around 25°C on Saturday, gradually cooling to 24°C by Sunday and 23°C on Monday.
However, while some parts of the UK prepare for a possible new heatwave, others are grappling with excessive rainfall and flood risks. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain affecting parts of Scotland, including Argyll and Bute, the south Highlands, Mull, and Skye. These areas could see up to 60mm of rain through Saturday afternoon, with mountainous regions receiving more than 100mm.
In response to ongoing precipitation, the Environment Agency has issued multiple flood alerts in Cumbria, particularly affecting river systems like the Duddon, Crake, and Mill Beck. Low-lying communities near Coniston to Barrow-in-Furness—including Ulpha, Duddon Bridge, and Ulverston—are especially vulnerable. Similarly, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued six additional flood alerts across various regions, including Ayrshire, Arran, Easter Ross, Great Glen, Skye, Lochaber, west central Scotland, and Wester Ross.
As the UK continues to experience dramatic swings between extreme heat and heavy rainfall, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness and awareness. Whether facing scorching temperatures or flash floods, understanding local weather advisories can help communities stay safe in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
