Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Civic Insight weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions for a given area, officially declared by the Met Office when a location meets its regional temperature threshold for three consecutive days. Parts of southern and eastern England are most prone to these events, which can bring health risks and travel disruption.
Where is the heatwave hitting the UK today?
The live ranking above shows the hottest spots across Britain right now. For the most immediate picture, check the 10-day forecast for your town. Inland areas of East Anglia and the Home Counties typically record the highest daytime peaks, while coastal regions such as Cornwall and Norfolk stay a few degrees cooler due to sea breezes. The Met Office issues amber or red warnings when temperatures pose a danger to life, so it is wise to monitor local weather warnings during any prolonged hot spell.
How long is the UK heatwave going to last?
Most heatwaves in the UK break within three to five days, as Atlantic weather fronts push in from the west. However, high-pressure systems can stall, extending a heatwave for a week or longer. For the latest outlook on any current event, see the next heatwave page. Historical patterns show that notable events, such as the heatwave of July 2022 or a potential heatwave UK 2025, often peak mid-week before a thundery breakdown arrives.
What should I do during a heatwave UK today?
Keep hydrated, close curtains in south-facing rooms, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm. Check on elderly neighbours. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a moment.
Will there be a heatwave UK 2026?
Long-range forecasts cannot predict specific dates this far ahead, but climate trends suggest summer 2026 will include at least one hot spell. The Met Office will provide guidance in seasonal outlooks closer to the time.
When was the last major heatwave UK September event?
Notable September heatwaves include September 2023, when temperatures reached 33°C in southern England. Such late-season hot spells are less common but can occur when a warm southerly flow develops.