The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 35C (95F) on Thursday as the hot weather spreads further north and west across the country. While the heatwave is not expected to break temperature records, its unusual longevity — potentially lasting up to 10 days — makes it notable, with forecasters describing it as one of the longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976.

High pressure is keeping conditions dry and settled, with the highest temperatures expected on Thursday and Friday across London, Cambridgeshire and southern and eastern England, before the heat spreads into southern Wales and the Midlands. Amber heat health alerts are in place across parts of the Midlands, eastern and southern England until 12 July, warning of significant impacts on health services and a possible rise in deaths among older and vulnerable people, while the National Fire Chiefs Council has warned of an increased wildfire risk. The Met Office notes that hotter summers are now twice as likely as during the 1991-2020 period, consistent with a warming climate.