The BBC department for weather forecasts and forecasts broadcasting.
A persistent high-pressure heat dome is trapping heat and humidity over continental Europe, driving record temperatures from France to the UK. The phenomenon is linked to escalating temperatures due to fossil-fuel emissions, with authorities warning of health risks, wildfires, and rising energy demand.
A new yellow heat health alert is in effect from July 4 to July 8 across parts of England, the Midlands and London, following record-breaking June temperatures. Met Office forecasts suggest temperatures could reach the mid-20s to high-30s in some regions, with officials warning of strain on health and social care services and the potential for further heatwaves this summer.
UK weather forecasters warn of rising temperatures with heatwave conditions possible in the southeast and London as high-pressure systems build from the Azores. Met Office and UKHSA have issued alerts; temperatures could reach the high 20s to low 30s across parts of England and Wales into early next week.
The UK has experienced its warmest April day on record, reaching 26.6°C in London, driven by southerly winds from Europe. This brief heatwave has shifted to cooler, unsettled weather with rain, gales, and snow in some areas. Temperatures are expected to stay near seasonal norms next week, with ongoing variability.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.