Full Breakdown
UK Faces Third Summer Heatwave of 2024
7/6/2026, 6:52:49 AM
Core Event: Third Heatwave Across England and Wales
The United Kingdom entered its third heatwave in early July 2024. The Met Office forecasts up to 34 °C in London and the south-east and 31 °C in the Midlands and East Anglia on Monday. Yellow heat-health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cover the East Midlands, east, south-east, south-west, London and the West Midlands until 20:00 GMT on 11 July.
Background: June Record Heatwave
The June heatwave peaked at 37.7 °C in Lingwood, Norfolk, prompting a rare red heat-health warning and a June record. The all-time UK temperature of 40.3 °C was set in July 2022 at Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Forecast and Marine Heatwave
The Met Office forecasts 29 °C in London on Sunday, 32 °C on Monday, at least 33 °C on Thursday and a possible 34 °C peak on Thursday or Friday. A marine heatwave has raised sea-surface temperatures 2 °C above average, with localized anomalies up to 5 °C off the Welsh and English coasts, suggesting a Category 4 “extreme” level.
Health Alerts and Water Measures
The UKHSA warns of minor impacts on health and social-care services, increased demand from vulnerable people and a heightened risk to life, and a possible rise in water-related incidents. Southern Water imposed a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight from 12.01 am on 10 July; South East Water introduced a ban for Kent.
Criticism, Concerns and Uncertainties
Public health experts caution that vulnerable groups may face heightened risk despite the modest yellow alert, and water managers warn that prolonged heat could worsen scarcity. Forecasts differ on the peak temperature—some project a 34 °C maximum on Thursday or Friday, others note only a chance of mid-30s. The marine heatwave’s escalation to Category 4 remains uncertain.
Quotes
“It’s not going to be as hot or as humid so not quite as uncomfortable, and not quite as impactful. It also will not affect the whole of UK.” — Aidan McGivern, Met Office meteorologist
“We’re already in heatwave threshold category in the South East so, by the end of tomorrow, the South East will officially be in a heatwave.” — Becky Mitchell, Met Office meteorologist
“Heatwave criteria is likely to be met by midweek in parts of the south.” — Honor Criswick, Met Office meteorologist
“the warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25 per cent lower than expected for this time of year.” — Southern Water spokesperson
Outlook
The Met Office expects the atmospheric heatwave to ease after Thursday, with southern temperatures returning to the low-30s by the following week. The marine heatwave may persist and could intensify toward a Category 4 extreme if settled, weather continues. Health and water agencies will continue monitoring impacts and adjust alerts as needed.
