The heatwave gripping the UK looks set to continue, forecasters have said.
It has brought new temperature records, emergency restrictions, and warnings of extreme wildfire risk across the country.
On Friday (July 10), temperatures reached 35.2C in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, prompting the Met Office to declare 2026 as the first year to record six separate days of 35C or above.
It is also the first year to reach that temperature in three different calendar months.
When the current heatwave could end as Met Office gives latest forecast
A Met Office spokesman said: "Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C.
"While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30s through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK.
"This will also bring some slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas than of recent days.
"It will also turn windier across southern areas, bringing breezier conditions, especially along coasts and headlands."
The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber and yellow heat health alerts for much of England until 9pm on Wednesday (July 15).
The Met Office warned that while most areas will remain dry and hot, there is a chance of thunderstorms in southern regions from Monday (July 13).
Emergency services have issued multiple warnings amid the continued warm weather.
Another hot and sunny afternoon for the south and west as the heatwave reaches day 8, though increasingly breezy
A respite from the heat along eastern coasts due to lingering cloud
The cloud thick enough to produce some patchy rain over eastern Scotland pic.twitter.com/KdRN0HuKOe— Met Office (@metoffice) July 11, 2026
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged the public not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend, citing an "extreme" wildfire risk due to dry heat.
The risk level in London is expected to rise from "elevated" to "extreme" between Saturday and Monday, according to the LFB.
Tom Goodall, assistant commissioner for the LFB, said: "We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly."
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue reported two wildfires on Friday evening: one near Arnfield Farm in Glossop and another at Tintwistle Moor.
A separate "trackside" fire at Stratford Station in London led to rail disruptions before it was brought under control by 9.30pm.
The heatwave is also putting pressure on emergency services in other ways.
The Metropolitan Police has asked the public to avoid non-emergency calls, citing a surge in 999 reports during the hot weather.
This comes as England prepares to face Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night, an event expected to further increase call volumes.
Tragically, the heatwave has already claimed lives.
Derbyshire Police confirmed that an 18-year-old man drowned near the Darley Abbey Mills complex after two teenagers got into difficulty in the water.
Greater Manchester Police also reported the death of an 18-year-old man at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham.
The Met Office cautioned those planning to enter open water to check temperatures and avoid cold water shock.
Where are there currently hosepipe bans in the UK?
The ongoing heat has led to water shortages and the introduction of hosepipe bans affecting millions.
Southern Water implemented restrictions on Friday (July 10) for around one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Anglian Water followed suit, announcing a ban for over five million customers in the east of England starting at 1am on Saturday (July 11).
Cambridge Water also introduced a hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers on Thursday (July 9), marking its first such restriction in 30 years.
The bans follow two consecutive heatwaves and a record-warm spring in England and Wales.
The UK’s water infrastructure is facing “growing pressure” from a combination of climate change, population growth, and decades of underinvestment.
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No new reservoirs have been constructed in 30 years, and leaky pipes continue to exacerbate supply problems.
This comes as the UK faces “growing pressure on its water system” due to human-driven climate change, which is disrupting rainfall patterns and driving more extreme weather events.
South East Water was the first company to announce restrictions, introducing a ban on July 3 for customers in parts of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
Is there a hosepipe ban where you live? Let us know in the comments.
