Sigh – The UK May Be In For Yet Another Heatwave

Finally – colder temps and even long-overdue rain have begun to reach parts of the UK that have been most affected by the recent relentless heatwaves. 

Some areas, like Surrey, have faced 60 dry days in a row, while parts of England and Wales have declared drought, too.

However, this week (Monday 17 to Sunday 23 August), we may see temperatures 4-6°C lower than average. On Friday morning, sheltered areas in the Cotswolds are expected to see the mercury plummet to 5-6°C.

So, is this the end of our endless hot spells? 

It’s still a little early to say – but the Met Office has predicted a possible return to sweltering form as we head into September.

Will the UK have another heatwave in 2026? 

In their long-range forecast, the Met Office said we can expect showery conditions, possibly thunder and normal or lower-than-average temperatures from Sunday 23 August to Tuesday 1 September. 

But, from Wednesday 2 to Wednesday 16 September, early, less clear signs suggest we might get a “northwest-southeast split in conditions, with higher pressure becoming centred close to the south of the UK and lower pressure towards the north or northwest”.

High pressure is associated with steadier conditions and less wind, while lower pressure can be more unpredictable. 

In effect, that means the north and northwest of the UK are expected to see more rain and wind, while the already-parched south and southeast will likely get hotter, sunnier weather.

And – gulp! – “there is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south”.

Summer heat has been ‘extraordinary’ in 2026 

The summer of 2026 is already on course to be the hottest on record in the UK.

The BBC reports that this has been an “extraordinary”, record-breaking summer when it comes to hot weather. 

This is, for instance, the first year in which temperatures at or above 35°C have been recorded in four separate months (May, June, July and August). 

These heatwaves have affected everything from our food supply to our water, electricity demands, public transport, and even health outcomes.

In 2025, the Met Office shared that the risk of seeing a repeat of 2022’s deadly 40°C heat in the next 12 years is about 50-50, and the possibility of exceeding that temperature has risen too, due to climate change.

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