UK Logs 12 Straight 30C Days, Longest Hot Spell Since 2006
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
UK Logs 12 Straight 30C Days, Longest Hot Spell Since 2006
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
Summary
Merryfield in Somerset hit 30.6C on Thursday, extending the UK's run to 12 consecutive days at or above 30C, while parts of southern England neared a fortnight under heatwave criteria.
A slow-moving high-pressure system and a jet stream shifted north have trapped hot air in a heat dome, with climate warming amplifying the extremes; the Met Office says the hottest days around Greater London are 4.5C warmer than in 1961-1990.
This is the UK's third heatwave of 2026, and the year has already produced six days above 35C and the first-ever run of 35C temperatures in May, June and July.
Dryness has deepened alongside the heat: Wisley in Surrey has had 30 rainless days, though the country is not yet in the widespread drought seen during the 1976 heatwave.
Cooler northerly air should trim temperatures this weekend, but some southern areas may stay in heatwave conditions for a few more days; the 1976 record of 16 straight 30C days now looks unlikely to fall.
As UK heatwaves intensify, are thousands of care homes becoming deadly heat traps for the elderly?
Could 'multiple harvest failures' from extreme heat threaten the future of Britain's food security?
England faces a 5 billion litre daily water deficit. Will standpipes on streets soon become a reality?
UK Faces Unprecedented 2026 Heatwave: Health Risks, Wildfires, and the Climate Adaptation Challenge
Overview
The United Kingdom is facing a severe heatwave as of July 12, 2026, bringing extreme temperatures and a range of immediate dangers. This crisis is causing significant strain on health and social care services, as prolonged high temperatures can worsen existing health conditions and lead to heat-related illnesses. Many people are seeking relief by swimming in open water, increasing the risk of water-related incidents. At the same time, the country faces its worst-ever risk of wildfires due to a combination of prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures. The sustained heat and lack of rainfall are also putting major pressure on the nation's water supplies, highlighting the widespread impact of this ongoing heatwave.