Another UK heatwave looms after cooler end to weekend

Another UK heatwave could be declared next week as temperatures are once again forecast to intensify across England and parts of Wales.

Following some much-needed rain in the north and north-west of the UK this weekend, temperatures will rise back to heatwave threshold levels in many locations.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 35C (95F) in the hottest areas.

Yellow heat health alerts have already been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for several regions from 9:00 BST on 28 July until 9:00 BST on 31 July.

Sunday will be a cooler day for the whole of the UK as temperatures fall widely by a couple of degrees.

A few locations will finally mark the end to their third heatwave of the year, including Usk in Monmouthshire and Exeter in Devon.

Both places are forecast to see temperatures drop beneath the heatwave threshold for the first time in 21 consecutive days.

Temperatures will largely be in the mid-20s Celsius for the south-east of the UK and in the mid-teens Celsius further north.

For many, the relief from the heat will be short-lived as high pressure is set to build close to the south of the UK next week.

This will stall rain-bearing weather fronts and any wet weather will become confined to northern and western areas - especially north-west Scotland.

In southern parts of the UK, temperatures look set to climb once again.

Tapping into the heat over the near continent, the UK is likely to enter another heatwave, with temperatures in England and Wales forecast to peak around 25-32C for much of next week.

Yellow heat health alerts will come into effect for Yorkshire and Humber, the West and East Midlands, the East of England, London, south-east and south-west, at 9:00 BST on 28 July 2026 and last until 9:00 BST on 31 July.

The UKHSA warns that heat is expected to cause minor impacts for health and social care services, with an increased risk to life for vulnerable people.

The hottest weather will initially be focused on central and eastern England by Tuesday before spreading northwards and westwards.

Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain cooler with temperatures generally in the high teens or low to mid-twenties Celsius.

Wednesday is likely to be the hottest day of the week.

East Wales and most of England could see temperatures between 30-35C.

It will also become warmer in Scotland and Northern Ireland with temperatures reaching the mid twenties.

Some computer models suggest an even more intense surge of heat could arrive by midweek.

By next weekend, the forecast suggests a return to cooler weather with Atlantic systems bringing some rain and westerly winds.

Unfortunately for southern areas, where the rain is needed most, it may remain dry.

How long the heat lasts depend on whether a southerly or westerly wind develops.

A westerly wind will bring an end to heatwave conditions, while southerly winds could signal a return to intense heat.

You can check the latest forecast for your area on the BBC Weather website and app.