Lead

The Met Office has warned that the heatwave conditions affecting much of England and Wales will persist into next week, with temperatures in some areas forecast to reach 34C. The forecaster said temperatures in the south of England could reach 28C on Saturday, and parts of the country will continue to see temperatures exceeding 30C on Sunday and into the coming week.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts covering the east, East Midlands, West Midlands, south-west, London and the south-east of England, in effect from midday on 4 July until 8pm on 11 July. The agency said the high temperatures could have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for that group. It also warned of an increase in water-related incidents due to a raised risk of cold water shock and drowning.

Coverage comparison

The Guardian's reporting on the heatwave has focused on both the immediate forecast and the broader implications. One article emphasises the health risks and temperature projections, noting that the peak of the heat is expected on Thursday or Friday of next week, with temperatures approaching 34C. It also highlights that while the current spell is prolonged, it will not be as hot and humid as the heatwave experienced in June, which broke temperature records.

A second article from The Guardian takes a wider view, covering the continued extreme conditions, the record-breaking nature of the year, and the responses from emergency services. This piece reports that 2026 has been the first year in which temperatures of 35C were recorded in the UK on six days, and the first year in which temperatures of 35C or higher have been experienced across three months. It also notes that the year has broken the record for days at 34C or higher, with nine days recorded so far.

The two reports together provide a comprehensive picture of the heatwave's progression, its immediate dangers, and its longer-term significance, all attributed to official sources such as the Met Office and the UKHSA.

Key claims

  • The Met Office forecasts peak temperatures of 34C in the south-east of England on Thursday or Friday next week, after temperatures rise to 29C on Sunday and approach the low 30s at the start of the week.
  • The UKHSA has issued yellow heat health alerts for several regions in England, warning of minor impacts on health services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
  • A hosepipe ban has been issued in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by Southern Water, and water firms have announced hosepipe bans for the east of England, the Cambridge area, and areas of Kent.
  • Emergency services have warned of an extreme risk of wildfires this weekend. The London Fire Brigade urged people not to use disposable barbecues, citing the dry heat as a factor, and said the risk in London grew from 'elevated' to 'extreme' on Saturday and would remain until Monday.
  • The Metropolitan Police expressed concern about excessive calls during England's World Cup game against Norway on Saturday evening, urging people to call 999 only for immediate danger or a crime in progress.
  • The Met Office has warned of high or very high UV levels this weekend and advised people to use sun protection when outside. Pollen levels are expected to be high or very high in some areas, particularly in Wales and the south-west of England.
  • The Met Office projects that hot spells will become more frequent in the future climate, particularly in the south-east of the UK.

Perspectives

The article includes quotes from Met Office meteorologists providing technical explanations of the heatwave. Becky Mitchell, a Met Office meteorologist, described the situation: "We have got a heatwave on the way across parts of southern England and Wales, temperatures are already quite high across the south-east today. We could get 28C in London." She added that there is a north-south split, with northern areas cloudier and with spells of rain.

Craig Snell, another Met Office forecaster, commented on the exceptional nature of the current conditions, noting that "33C is still well above average for the time of year" and that "the very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK."

Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police, have contributed their perspectives on the risks posed by the heatwave, focusing on wildfire danger and the strain on emergency resources.