Britain is preparing for its third heatwave in as many months, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius in parts of southern England later this week, according to the Met Office. The period of hot weather, which began with 31C recorded in Cambridge on Monday, is forecast to see highs of 32C on Tuesday, rising to 34C by Thursday and peaking at 35C on isolated days Friday and Saturday. Despite the heat, forecasters do not anticipate breaking the UK’s highest temperature record of 40.3C, set in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, in July 2022.
Steven Keates, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, cautioned the public to take standard precautions against heat and sun exposure, noting that while some areas will experience heatwave conditions, this episode is unlikely to reach the severity of previous heatwaves seen in May and June. He also warned of the possibility of “tropical nights,” with temperatures remaining above 20C overnight in England later in the week.
Across mainland Europe, similarly intense heat persists, with Spain, Portugal, and southern France experiencing temperatures exceeding 40C. The summer heat has contributed to widespread wildfires in several popular holiday destinations, including Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal. These fires have scorched nearly 50,000 acres—an area roughly the size of Liverpool—forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
Emergency services have advised travelers to enable mobile phone emergency alerts as a precaution. Authorities in Greece’s city of Thessaloniki reported residents keeping windows and doors closed due to toxic smoke from a recycling plant fire. The UK Foreign Office issued guidance encouraging those in affected areas to stay alert to emergency notifications.
The National Fire Chiefs Council warned that if the hot, dry conditions continue, wildfires could become more extensive and difficult for fire and rescue teams to manage. Meanwhile, National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers in the UK to monitor service updates closely, as heat-related disruptions such as rail buckling are anticipated. Roadside rescue organizations also recommend drivers ensure they carry sufficient water and perform checks on tyre pressure and vehicle fluids amid the heat.
In light of the extreme weather and its impact on public safety, officials have taken further precautions, including banning spectators from a stage of the Tour de France due to the record-breaking early summer temperatures affecting the region. Temperatures in Europe are expected to remain high through the week, maintaining the elevated risk of heat-related incidents and wildfires.