The United Kingdom is bracing for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures predicted to soar across much of the country starting Sunday, August 10, 2025. According to the Met Office, the mercury is set to climb into the high twenties and even low to mid-thirties Celsius in parts of England and Wales, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue a yellow heat health alert from 12pm on Monday until 6pm on Wednesday. The alert covers Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, East of England, London, the South East, and the South West, signaling that significant impacts are possible across health and social care services as the nation faces another round of sweltering weather.
Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office, told The Independent, “I think we could be seeing parts of the UK have another heatwave by the middle of next week.” He explained that while the exact peak temperatures aren’t set in stone, many areas will experience a “hot spell” during the week, with a strong likelihood of the heat lingering longest in places like East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. In London, temperatures are forecast to hit 28°C on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while Manchester is expected to reach 27°C on Tuesday and 25°C on Wednesday. Some regions could even see the thermometer edge into the mid-thirties, particularly across central, southern, and eastern England.
Steven Keates, the agency’s deputy chief meteorologist, echoed this outlook in a statement to Sky News: “We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30s Celsius in parts of England on Monday and perhaps the mid 30s in a few places on Tuesday. However, the length of this warm spell is still uncertain, and it is possible that high temperatures could persist further into next week, particularly in the South.”
The definition of a heatwave in the UK is three consecutive days at or above the threshold temperature, which is 25°C for most of the country and 28°C for London and its surroundings. This latest episode follows a summer already marked by extreme temperatures: the hottest day of the year so far was July 1, when St James’s Park in central London recorded a sizzling 34.7°C. If the forecasts hold true, this will mark the country’s fourth heatwave of 2025, following one in June and two in July.
While the southern regions are set to bask in sunshine and clear skies, the story is different for Scotland and Northern Ireland. These areas will see more unsettled weather, with rain expected at times, although even northern Scotland can expect a break from the recent wet and windy conditions as warmer air moves in next week. Kirsty McCabe, a Sky weather producer, noted, “High pressure will extend from the Azores, allowing temperatures to rise, especially in the South where heatwave criteria is likely to be met early next week. The fourth heatwave of the summer will see temperatures reach the high 20s or low 30s, peaking around 33°C on Tuesday across central and southern parts of England. Overnight temperatures will also rise, leading to some warm and stuffy nights from Monday night onwards.”
The upcoming heatwave is being driven by a combination of warm air streaming in from the south and a high-pressure system pushing across the UK, with the remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter moving in from the Atlantic. This meteorological cocktail is expected to bring not just heat but also the risk of heavy and thundery downpours, particularly in England and Wales. Thunderstorms are forecast to start late Sunday and may continue into the early part of the week, potentially interrupting outdoor events and travel plans.
For tourists and locals alike, the heat presents both opportunity and challenge. Popular destinations such as London, Brighton, and the coastal areas of the South East are likely to see a surge in visitors eager to enjoy the sun. Attractions like the beaches of Cornwall, the vibrant city life of London, and the scenic views in Bath will be in high demand. However, the intense heat means that precautions are essential. Health authorities recommend staying hydrated, using sun protection, and adjusting sightseeing plans to avoid the midday sun. For those unaccustomed to such high temperatures, the risk of sunstroke and dehydration is real, especially when exploring outdoor sites like Stonehenge or Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile, polling by Ipsos reveals that many Britons feel unprepared for the rising temperatures. Only half of those surveyed said they would comply with hosepipe bans if imposed, with compliance dropping to just 35 percent among 16- to 34-year-olds. Nearly half—48 percent—of the public admit they are either not at all or only somewhat prepared to adjust their work or daily routines as heatwaves become more frequent. Rachel Brisley, head of energy and environment at Ipsos, commented, “Our research suggests that the majority of the British public don’t consider themselves to be prepared to adapt their lifestyles to heatwaves and this includes an unwillingness, by almost half of those surveyed, to comply with hosepipe bans. This seems to be particularly true for younger generations.”
The debate over the causes of these extreme weather events continues. According to the Ipsos poll, 62 percent of respondents believe climate change has had some influence on the recent heatwaves and droughts, while 16 percent attribute them mainly to natural weather cycles. Notably, a third of Reform UK voters remain skeptical about the human impact on extreme weather, reflecting ongoing divisions in public opinion.
Beyond the UK, heatwave conditions are forecast to grip much of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Parts of Spain and Portugal are expected to see temperatures in the low to mid-40s Celsius, with overnight lows remaining above 20°C. France could see highs over 40°C on Sunday and Monday, and similar heat is anticipated in the Netherlands and Germany. The broader pattern highlights how climate-driven extremes are becoming more common across the continent and beyond.
As the heatwave peaks, the weather is expected to shift by Wednesday, with cooler Atlantic air beginning to replace the warm southern winds. This will bring some relief, especially to those in the north and west, but warmer conditions are likely to linger in the south for a few days. For travelers planning visits later in August, forecasters suggest that spells of hot weather may return, so it’s wise to pack for a range of conditions.
With the UK once again in the grip of a summer heatwave, residents and visitors are urged to take sensible precautions, stay informed, and make the most of the country’s many attractions—while keeping an eye on the ever-changing skies above.
