Fourth heatwave grips parts of UK with 35C forecast

Fourth heatwave grips parts of UK with 35C forecastImage source, Richard Baker / Getty ImagesByHelen WillettsLead Weather PresenterPublished1 minute agoA fourth heatwave of the year is now under way for parts of the UK, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s Celsius later this week.This latest spell of heatwave threshold-level temperatures is expected to peak on Wednesday in the south-east and east of England.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned the rising temperatures could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.It has issued amber heat health alerts, external for much of eastern England that come into force on Wednesday.North-south splitThe heatwave will not be felt in all parts of the country, with clouds and outbreaks of rain continuing in Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England.The hot weather will be focused on central, southern and eastern England on Tuesday thought it may spread slightly northwards and westwards into midweek.Temperatures in England and Wales are forecast to rise to around 25-32C for the next few days with Wednesday likely to see the peak, with readings of 30-35C across the Midlands, southern and eastern England.Scotland and Northern Ireland will generally remain cooler and showery with temperatures in the high teens or low to mid-20s Celsius.Current forecasts suggest that the intense heat across southern and central parts of the UK this week will be short-lived compared to the three previous widespread heatwaves this summer.Some isolated showers may arrive later in the week. Heat health alerts issuedJuly 2026 has been notably hot. The Met Office says the UK mean temperature so far this month is 17.5C, which currently makes it the second hottest of any month on record, behind only July 2006 (17.8C).The ongoing heat means the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East are all under amber alerts heat health alerts from 09:00 on Wednesday until 09:00 Thursday.The UKHSA warns th...