UK heatwave could bring 36°C by Thursday

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-11 18:27 3 min read

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A renewed UK heatwave could push temperatures to 36°C in East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, according to a Met Office forecast issued on Friday, 7 August 2026.

The heat is expected to build in stages rather than arrive at once. After temperatures rise through the weekend, Monday could bring a brief dip before hotter and increasingly humid conditions spread during the middle of the week.

People are advised to keep hydrated, limit prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day and check on older relatives, neighbours and anyone with an underlying health condition. Yellow heat-health alerts have been issued for parts of England.

Rain in the north as southern areas warm up

The forecast begins with a clear north-south divide. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to receive spells of rain over the weekend, with some potentially heavy bursts. Northwest Scotland could also remain cloudy and blustery.

England and Wales should stay largely dry, sunny and increasingly warm. Southern and south-eastern England could enter the low 30s Celsius on Sunday, while northern areas remain under a more unsettled weather pattern.

UK heatwave could bring 36°C by Thursday

That contrast is not expected to last throughout the week. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone said the heat could peak across much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, although the highest values may arrive a day later in East Anglia and south-east England.

Readers following the developing pattern can compare it with the earlier UK heatwave and northern rain outlook.

Temperatures could rise sharply after Monday

Day	Forecast high and likely pattern
Friday	Up to 27°C, with sunshine across many southern areas
Saturday	Around 29°C, potentially reaching 30°C
Sunday	Low 30s possible in southern and south-eastern England
Monday	A temporary dip, with highs of 27°C to 29°C
Tuesday	Up to 30°C across parts of England and Wales
Wednesday	Around 32°C to 34°C, hottest in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales
Thursday	Up to 36°C possible in East Anglia and south-east England

High pressure is forecast to move across the UK and then settle to the east. That positioning would allow a southerly airflow to develop, drawing hotter conditions northwards.

Humidity is also expected to increase as the week progresses. This could make daytime heat feel more uncomfortable and reduce overnight relief, particularly where temperatures remain elevated after sunset.

Heat precautions should begin before the peak

Residents do not need to wait for Thursday’s possible maximum before taking precautions. Water should be kept readily available, strenuous or prolonged activity in direct sun should be reduced during the hottest part of the day, and vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours may need additional checks.

The Met Office also directs people planning time near the coast or inland water to review water-safety guidance. Beach conditions can vary independently of air temperature, with tides, waves, ultraviolet exposure and pollen all affecting plans.

The 36°C figure remains a forecast, not a certainty

The most likely timing and location of the highest temperatures may change as newer observations enter the forecast. The Met Office described a widespread heatwave across large parts of England and Wales as likely, while presenting 36°C as a possible Thursday maximum rather than a confirmed outcome.

The distinction matters most for East Anglia and south-east England, where Thursday currently carries the greatest potential for exceptional heat. Forecast details will continue to evolve, and residents should check the latest Met Office information and active heat-health alerts before changing travel, work or outdoor plans.

Source: Met Office Weather and Climate News

Context & actions About this article

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The timeline, regional outlook and safety guidance were checked against the published Met Office forecast.

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Confirmed that 36°C was presented as a possible Thursday maximum for East Anglia and south...
Separated the weekend north-south weather split from the wider midweek heat forecast.
Retained the forecast uncertainty and the advice to monitor updated information.
Checked that yellow heat-health alerts applied only to parts of England in the supplied re...

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