August heatwave set to bring very hot temperatures to 19 UK counties

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 143 original reports, 24 reprints

1. Thu, 6 August 2026

   1 report
   • leicestermercury.co.uk05:57first to report
     August heatwave set to bring very hot temperatures to 19 UK counties

     A new WXCharts weather forecast shows large parts of England turning red on August 12 and 13 as high temperatures could return, with 32C predicted in some areas

2. Fri, 7 August 2026

   4 reports
   • NYT World15:41
     Photos Show England Turning Brown in Drought

     Beset by historically dry weather, much of the nation is losing its signature hue.

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)18:24
     UK set for new heatwave amid drought concerns

     Return of scorching weather comes as parts of England face worsening drought after another week of minimal rainfall

   • mirror.co.uk21:15
     Drought-hit UK's sixth heatwave in just 3 months starts with scorching 36C highs

     Met Office weather forecasters have bad news for anyone hoping for cooler temperatures with yet another heatwave is on the way in the coming days and this one will stick around

     1 reprint

     • aol.co.uk7 Aug, 21:15their copy
   • stratford-herald.com22:01
     New heat alerts to come into force as UK braces for fifth heatwave

     The health alerts run 9am Saturday to 9pm Tuesday and warn that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population.

     2 reprints

     • dissexpress.co.uk8 Aug, 07:00their copy
     • standard.co.uk8 Aug, 08:13their copy
3. Sat, 8 August 2026

   13 reports
   • nottinghampost.com05:16
     Exact date 36C 'heat bomb' set to hit the UK as temperatures to soar

     Parts of the East Midlands are going to sizzle - again

   • express.co.uk06:46
     UK heatwave update as 84-hour health alerts issued for 7 regions amid 36C blast

     The new heat health alerts across large parts of the UK warn of a possible 'rise in deaths'.

   • belfastlive.co.uk07:01
     New Met Office alert takes effect from 9am this Saturday

     The UK weather forecaster has issued a new update

     1 reprint

     • plymouthherald.co.uk8 Aug, 06:51their copy
   • express.co.uk07:58
     Heatwave to end as maps show heavy rain and 20C drop in days - 11 wettest areas

     Britain looks set to finally get a soaking after weeks of hot dry weather have parched the country.

   • stokesentinel.co.uk14:59
     UK bracing for another heatwave with highs of 36C next week

     The UK will face its fifth heatwave if the year

   • express.co.uk15:52
     Met Office maps show 22 areas facing rain downpour on Sunday - full list

     Met Office maps show a stark north-south divide, with heavy rain hitting parts of Britain while temperatures soar elsewhere.

   • derbytelegraph.co.uk17:00
     Avoid the area warning issued over fire as crews respond

     It is the second fire to hit the area in a month

   • lbc.co.uk17:09
     UK braces for 'unprecedented' fifth heatwave with parts of UK set to sizzle amid 36C temperatures

     The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber and London

   • liverpoolecho.co.uk18:52
     Motorists issued vision warning ahead of incoming heatwave

     Another heatwave arrives next week

   • express.co.uk19:26
     Households urged to to pour washing up liquid down the drain on Sunday

     Sunday chores just got weirder

   • express.co.uk20:07
     Heat health alerts come into force as fifth heatwave set to hit UK

     Two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June could be linked to more than 2,800 excess deaths.

   • express.co.uk21:51
     Warning issued to anyone taking ibuprofen or blood pressure medication

     That could be a big problem this week.

   • aol.co.uk23:01
     Temperatures to rise on Sunday as UK braces for fifth heatwave

     Temperatures are expected to reach up to 33C in parts of the UK on Sunday as the country braces for a fifth heatwave over the coming week. Yellow heat health alerts came into force at 9am on Saturday as temperatures rose throughout the day, reaching up to 28C in the South and South East , and up to 27C across most of central England. Sunday is set to see some spells of rain in Scotland , Northern Ireland , and northern England, and some isolated showers may break out in the South East,...

     1 reprint

     • dissexpress.co.uk8 Aug, 22:01their copy
4. Sun, 9 August 2026

   10 reports
   • bbc.co.uk06:00removed by the outlet
     5th heatwave of the year likely as temperatures could hit 35C

     From today and into next week, temperatures could exceed 30C in south-east England.

   • walesonline.co.uk06:37
     New hot weather advice to anyone taking PPIs, ibuprofen and naproxen

     The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a warning

     1 reprint

     • plymouthherald.co.uk9 Aug, 06:43their copy
   • nottinghampost.com07:52
     'Rise in deaths' warning issued over new 36C heatwave

     Officials have said the rising temperatures could lead to 'significant impacts' on health services

   • birminghammail.co.uk08:38
     UK to see fifth heatwave this week as Met Office predicts sweltering 33C

     Any wildfires are also expected to be 'exceptionally severe'

   • nottinghampost.com11:38
     Cat owners not living on ground floor sent new UK heatwave warning

     Cat owners along with officials from Cats Protection and Blue Cross have warned owners

   • dissexpress.co.uk11:51edited after publishing
     Temperatures rise above 30C while Scotland hit by half month’s rain in two days

     previouslyTemperatures rise to 30C while Scotland hit by half a month’s rain in two days

     Heat health alerts are in place until Tuesday but could be extended as hot weather is expected to continue well into next week.

     3 reprints

     • kentonline.co.uk9 Aug, 11:51their copy
     • stratford-herald.com9 Aug, 11:51their copy
     • standard.co.uk9 Aug, 16:36their copy
   • mirror.co.uk12:06
     UK weather maps turn volcanic red as new heatwave brings temperatures up to 39C

     The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year next week

   • aol.co.uk13:04edited after publishing
     Mum whose son drowned at beach begs Brits to stay safe around water during heatwave

     previouslyHeatwave No5 this year prompts bereaved parents to issue urgent warning

     As we head into yet another heatwave bereaved families warn of the 'horrific' pain of losing a loved as they urge the public to take care around water.

   • irishmirror.ie14:44
     Irish households urged to pour washing up liquid down the drain this week

     This quick and easy task can help prevent a common problem

   • mirror.co.uk21:05
     'Fifth heatwave of year brings deadly danger - water deaths action can't wait'

     'The grim statistics tell us that, before this week is out, a teenager will leave home for a swim and never return. We desperately hope that prediction is wrong. How many more families need to pay the price before meaningful change comes?'

5. Mon, 10 August 2026

   20 reports
   • dailypost.co.uk05:13
     Health alert may be extended as Met Office eyes rare red warning

     Much of the country is set to head into the fifth heatwave of 2026

     2 reprints

     • getsurrey.co.uk10 Aug, 05:13their copy
     • plymouthherald.co.uk10 Aug, 05:13their copy
   • lbc.co.uk05:34edited after publishing
     Car washes and swimming pools could shut due to drought - as temperatures set to pass 36C in fifth heatwave

     previouslyMet Office considers rare extreme heat warning as fifth heatwave brings 36C forecast

     Most heat health alerts in England have been upgraded as temperatures are set to hit 36C. Chessington World of Adventures theme park has also been forced to shut its doors following a water outage

   • aol.co.uk06:10
     Met Office names date when heavy rain will hit UK after days of heatwave

     With the mercury expected to hit 36C in East Anglia and the south east this week, the Met Office is warning there will be a 'north south split' with the weather

   • Novinky (Czechia)10:15
     Vyprahlá step. Záběry z dronu ukázaly vyschlý Londýn

     Londýnské parky, které jsou během léta obvykle plné zeleně, letos na mnoha místech připomínají vyprahlou step. Záběry z dronu ukazují rozsáhlé plochy zežloutlé a vysušené trávy. Anglie se potýká s mimořádným suchem a sérií vln veder. Další výrazné oteplení přijde i tento týden.

   • dailystar.co.uk11:02
     Exact date Britain will see rain again as Met Office says where in UK will cool

     Britain is bracing for its sixth heatwave of the summer with temperatures forecast to hit 36°C in East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, before heavy rain arrives

   • mirror.co.uk11:35
     Rarely-seen amber alerts issued as 36C heatwave means rise in deaths 'likely'

     Rarely-seen amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England as Met Office weather forecasters say heatwave temperatures could hit 36C this week

   • dailystar.co.uk11:42
     Major heat health warnings issued across England as fifth UK heatwave kicks in

     Most of England is under amber heat health alerts as the UK faces its fifth heatwave of summer 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30Cs and peak on Thursday

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)12:57
     UK weather agency warns of possible red weather warnings ahead of new heat wave

     It comes after temperatures of at least 30.6C recorded on Sunday, bringing total number of 30C-plus days this year to 35, a new UK record

   • lynnnews.co.uk15:30
     Almost three-quarters of England in drought as conditions worsen in dry August

     More areas of England have been moved into drought status as the country faces another heatwave.

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)15:50
     Heat alerts upgraded across England as temperatures set to reach 36C

     Rising temperatures to come as large parts of England, all of Wales already experiencing drought conditions, with further areas expected to be declared this afternoon

   • The Guardian World16:32edited after publishing ×2
     Three-quarters of England in drought as summer’s fifth heatwave looms

     previouslyDrought expected to be declared in more parts of England ahead of possible 36C heat

     Four more regions given drought status, putting 27 million people under restrictions on water use Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, as much of Europe braces for its fifth climate crisis-driven heatwave this summer. Four more regions of England have officially been declared to be in drought: the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs. Continue reading...

   • whtc.com16:33
     Almost three-quarters of England now in drought, UK government says

     LONDON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, the British government said on Monday, highlighting the ​worsening impact of prolonged dry weather on ‌agriculture, public water supplies and wildlife. Most of the country, ...

     1 reprint

     • wiky.com10 Aug, 16:33their copy
   • South China Morning Post17:16
     Drought declared in ‘almost three-quarters’ of England, government says

     Some 71.3 per cent of England is in drought, the UK government said on Monday, after the nation experienced its driest July on record, with a fifth heatwave and scant rain forecast for the week ahead. Parks and fields that are usually green at this point in the year were parched and yellow, according to Agence France-Presse photos, as river levels dwindled and farmers battling low crop yields warned of possible food shortages. “Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions...

     1 reprint

     • Le Monde English10 Aug, 18:11their copy
   • The Guardian World17:56edited after publishing ×2
     Amber heat-health alerts issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week – as it happened

     previouslyAmber heat-health alerts issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week – latest updates

     The upgraded alerts will be in place from 9am on Tuesday until 9pm on Friday An 18-year-old died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach, East Sussex, yesterday, bringing the number of deaths in open-water incidents over the hot, dry summer to over 40, according to estimates compiled by the Press Association. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated heat-health alerts for nine regions in England, warning that rising temperatures this week may increase health...

   • express.co.uk18:40
     UK weather maps show 39C heatwave hitting 12 counties in days - full list

     The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year.

   • channel4.com18:58
     Three quarters of England in drought as UK braces for fifth heatwave

     More than two thirds of England is now officially in drought after the Environment Agency declared another four English areas are in drought along with the whole of Wales.

   • The Guardian World19:16
     ‘National priority’ to equip UK firefighters amid growing wildfire threat

     Exclusive: FBU calls for more funding as ‘unprecedented summer’ puts rising demands on already stretched crews Firefighters in the UK are under increased pressure as a result of an “unprecedented summer of dangerous and volatile wildfires”, the Fire Brigades Union has said, as many parts of the country brace for a fifth heatwave of the year. As authorities declared almost three-quarters of England was now in drought, Steve Wright, the FBU general secretary, said the unpredictable environmental...

   • Die Zeit (Germany)19:50edited after publishing
     Klimakrise: Mehr als 70 Prozent Englands sind von Dürre betroffen

     Dem britischen Umweltministerium zufolge hat sich der Dürrezustand in England weiter verschlechtert. Im Land herrsche »nirgendwo« mehr der Normalzustand.

   • rutland-times.co.uk22:01
     Heat health alerts coming into force as UK braces for fifth heatwave

     Highs of 29C in Cardiff, 28C in Manchester and 25C in London are expected before temperatures soar to the mid-30s in some areas.

     1 reprint

     • kentonline.co.uk10 Aug, 22:01their copy
   • Anadolu Agency (AA)22:32
     More than two-thirds of England now in drought

     About 45 million people now living in drought-affected areas of England, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions, says National Drought Group

6. Tue, 11 August 2026

   18 reports
   • Der Spiegel (Germany)02:35
     Hitzewelle und Klimakrise: England zu mehr als 70 Prozent von Dürre betroffen

     URL changednow www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/hitze-und-klimakrise-england-zu-mehr-als-70-prozent-von-duerre-betroffen-a-49e2d244-1b7e-4acd-b75e-cf9ef1c62319#ref=rss

     Über mangelnden Regen können sich die Menschen in England normalerweise nicht beschweren. In diesem Sommer ist das anders. Inzwischen wird sogar vor Engpässen bei Lebensmitteln gewarnt.

   • en.ce.cn05:00
     Nearly three-quarters of England in drought as another heatwave approaches--China Economic Net
   • derbytelegraph.co.uk05:13
     Amber health warnings start ahead of fifth heatwave as 45m in drought

     Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe

   • independent.co.uk08:00
     Most of England is now under amber heat health alerts – here’s what that means

     Health alerts have been issued across much of England from Tuesday until Friday

   • rutland-times.co.uk09:11
     Amber warning for extreme heat on Thursday as temperatures could hit 38C

     The Met Office has issued an amber warning for very high temperatures for parts of England.

     2 reprints

     • fenlandcitizen.co.uk11 Aug, 09:11their copy
     • aol.co.uk11 Aug, 10:11their copy
   • express.co.uk09:41edited after publishing
     Met Office issues 14 hour 38C heat warning for 28 areas on Thursday - full list

     previouslyMet Office issues 14 hour heatwave warning for 28 areas on Thursday - full list

     The Met Office has issued a danger to life warning.

   • derbytelegraph.co.uk10:03
     Met Office issues extreme heat warning as record-breaking temperatures forecast

     The Met Office has urged people to 'keep yourself safe'

   • express.co.uk10:09
     Met Office urges UK house holds to place bowl of water outside on Thursday

     The Met Office has issued advice as temperatures are set to rise, with households encouraged to leave a bowl of water outside for wildlife.

   • independent.co.uk11:10
     UK weather latest: Met Office issues rare ‘extreme heat’ warning

     URL changednow www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/stourbridge-west-midlands-fires-uk-weather-b3032872.html

     Amber heat health alerts are also in place between Tuesday and Friday for large parts of England and Wales

   • londonlovesbusiness.com11:18
     Weather maps turn volcanic as an extreme heat warning has been issued

     Weather maps turn volcanic as an extreme heat warning is issued. Temperatures could peak at 37°C across southern England.

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)11:58
     Amber heat-health alerts in force across England as drought reaches 71% of country

     Millions face water restrictions as little rain is forecast before possible showers Sunday

   • bbc.co.uk14:06edited after publishing
     Summer 2026 on course to be hottest on record, says Met Office

     previouslyUK weather: Summer 2026 on course to be hottest on record, says Met Office

     Only average conditions are needed for the remainder of August to break the record, which was set just last year.

   • aol.co.uk14:32
     Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, Met Office says

     The UK is on course for its hottest summer on record – with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat the record set only last year, the Met Office said. Provisional statistics from the Met Office show that the mean temperature for the summer so far, from June 1, stands at 16.48C – which is 1.88C above the 1991 to 2020 average. To equal the 16.12C seen in 2025 – the UK’s warmest summer on record – the rest of August would only need to be 0.21C below the long-term average,...

   • walesonline.co.uk14:36
     Three drinks everyone in Wales should avoid having this week

     Another heatwave is here.

   • q102.ie15:20
     Met Éireann issues 48-hour high temperature warning for 13 counties

     Met Éireann issues 48-hour high temperature warning for 13 counties

     1 reprint

     • lmfm.ie11 Aug, 15:20their copy
   • The Guardian World16:31edited after publishing ×2
     Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, says Met Office – as it happened

     previously‘Extreme heat’ warning issued for parts of England on Thursday as temperatures could reach 38C – latest news

     Prediction comes amid warning of ‘extreme heat’ this week with temperatures of 38C possible The Guardian’s environment editor, Fiona Harvey , has written a useful explainer about the UK public services that are struggling in the extreme weather. You can read it in full here: There’s only one solution in the end to the drought now declared across most of England and that’s rain, says Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading. An important consequence of drought is that...

   • Channel News Asia17:34
     UK 'on course' to record warmest summer for second year in a row

     The UK is facing worsening heatwaves and drought, with extreme temperatures causing health impacts and record-breaking weather.

   • el-balad.com20:45
     Met Office Weather Forecast Heatwave brings amber alerts across most of England

     Met Office weather forecast heatwave alerts cover most of England as temperatures rise, with more than 70% of England and all of Wales in drought.

7. Wed, 12 August 2026

   12 reports
   • lmfm.ie04:47
     Yellow high temperature warning comes into effect

     The warning will run from now until 6am on Friday.

   • mirror.co.uk05:17
     PM calls emergency Cobra meeting as UK faces record heat, wildfires and drought

     URL changednow www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/pm-chairs-emergency-cobra-meeting-37541218

     Andy Burnham has convened an emergency Cobra meeting as the UK battles record-breaking heat, widespread wildfires and drought, with temperatures forecast to hit 38C this week

   • cambridge-news.co.uk05:21
     Andy Burnham convenes COBRA as Health Secretary says extreme heat 'dangerous'

     The weather is said to have plunged the country into a 'national emergency' with a risk of 'flash drought'

     1 reprint

     • dailypost.co.uk12 Aug, 05:21their copy
   • manchestereveningnews.co.uk05:39
     Andy Burnham holding emergency meeting today as urgent alerts issued across UK

     The Prime Minister will be hosting his first Cobra meeting on Wednesday

   • Channel News Asia06:51
     UK PM to chair emergency meeting on heatwaves, drought

     More than 2,800 people in Britain have died from heat-related causes this year.

   • Politico Europe09:04
     Burnham chairs crisis meeting as UK swelters in extreme heat

     The prime minister will discuss how to "safeguard the environment" after record-breaking weather conditions.

   • The Guardian World09:36
     Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires

     Exclusive: England ‘desperately unprepared’ for effects of crisis including water shortages and heatwaves UK heatwave live – latest updates Just 20 staff are working on climate adaptation within a key government department tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security, a freedom of information request has revealed. The officials make up 0.3% of staff within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Continue reading...

   • The Guardian World10:43edited after publishing ×2
     Andy Burnham to chair emergency Cobra meeting amid extreme heat

     previouslyUK extreme heat prompts Cobra emergency meeting

     PM touts ban on disposable barbecues as areas hit by wildfires – but some Labour MPs will be hoping for more ambitious ideas to tackle crisis Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires UK heatwave live – latest updates Andy Burnham will chair an emergency Cobra meeting in response to the extreme heat, which has caused wildfires and plunged many parts of Britain into drought. The prime minister will meet ministers, officials and agencies as high...

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)12:35
     UK to hold emergency meeting on extreme heat, wildfires, drought

     Government spokesperson says firefighters, farmers and NHS staff face weather-related challenges

   • The Guardian World14:47edited after publishing ×2
     UK heatwave: Burnham considers ban on disposable barbecues to prevent wildfires – as it happened

     previouslyUK heatwave live: Burnham considers ban on disposable barbecues to prevent wildfires

     Prime minister suggests possible measure as he prepares to chair emergency Cobra meeting in response to extreme heat Here’s today’s latest Met Office forecast for UK cities: Aberdeen 22C Belfast 24C Birmingham 32C Cardiff 33C Glasgow 25C Liverpool 32C London 32C Newcastle 29C Plymouth 31C Sheffield 31C Continue reading...

   • cambridge-news.co.uk14:52
     Heatwave triggers 'essential travel' warning for train passengers

     The warning comes as operators anticipate some disruption to the lines as temperatures soar this week

   • manchestereveningnews.co.uk18:04
     Thousands of homes warned of bin collection change

     Bin crews are also being offered more water as they deal with high temperatures

8. Thu, 13 August 2026

   16 reports
   • mirror.co.uk01:11
     Nurses collapse and have seizures on hot wards 'not fit for humans', union warns

     The Royal College of Nursing became the latest union to warn of unsafe working conditions in extreme heat for many staff members in hospital wards and care homes

   • mirror.co.uk01:20
     Met Office gives verdict on hottest August day as 38C forecast

     The forecaster have warned that there is potential that the UK could see the hottest August day on record as temperatures are expected to climb to 38C today

   • lbc.co.uk01:46
     Nurses 'collapse at work' and forced to work in 30C temperatures as Britain bakes due to heatwaves

     Nurses are collapsing at work and are being forced to care for patients in temperatures in excess of 30C, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.

   • South China Morning Post03:23
     UK nurses report ‘inhumane’ heat in hospitals as heatwave grips country

     Nurses are collapsing at work as they endure extreme heat in buildings that are proving unfit for the record temperatures gripping Britain. Conditions are “inhumane”, the Royal College of Nursing said on Thursday. Members have reported temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in UK hospital wards and care homes, often without access to air conditioning, fans or even to windows that open, the RCN said. As Britain sweats through its fifth heatwave of the year, record...

   • NYT World04:00
     ‘An English Summer Is Not the Same Anymore’

     With forecasters issuing a warning for very high temperatures, this summer is on track to be one of the hottest yet.

   • Google News - Top Stories06:39
     ‘An English Summer Is Not the Same Anymore’

     ‘An English Summer Is Not the Same Anymore’ The New York Times Britain poised for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave WAVY.com Heatwave live: UK braces for 37C highs - with new August heat record 'not out of the question' Sky News Temperatures could hit 38C in England as latest heatwave reaches peak BBC Fifth heatwave of the year triggers ‘extreme’ warning The Telegraph

   • dissexpress.co.uk07:14edited after publishing
     Amber heat warning expanded as parts of England face more extreme temperatures

     previouslyAmber heat warning in force as parts of England face more extreme temperatures

     Temperatures could reach 38C in some places, the Met Office said.

   • lbc.co.uk08:39
     Rare amber 'extreme heat' warning comes into effect as UK braces for 38C temperatures

     If the mercury rises above 36C as is forecast, it will be the first August day to see this threshold crossed since 2020

   • NYT World09:32
     ‘An English Summer Is Not the Same Anymore’

     With forecasters issuing a warning for very high temperatures, this summer is on track to be one of the hottest yet.

   • independent.co.uk09:37
     UK weather latest: Extreme heat warnings come into force ahead of 37C highs

     URL changednow www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/stourbridge-west-midlands-fires-uk-weather-b3032872.html

     Wildfire warning in place for large swathes of Scotland as UK battles another heatwave

   • lbc.co.uk14:25edited after publishing
     Britain bakes: UK declares hottest day of the year as temperatures soar above 38C

     previouslyBritain bakes; UK declares hottest day of the year as temperatures soar above 38C

     The UK has already smashed one heat record today, becoming the first August day to surpass 36C since 2020

   • mirror.co.uk15:27
     Met Office declares hottest day of year - but 13 counties now face thunderstorms

     Temperatures rose past 38C in the UK today, making it the hottest of the year so far - but Met Office weather forecasters now say thunderstorms are coming

   • independent.co.uk15:44edited after publishing
     We’ve hit 38C with millions in a drought – and Brits are still in complete denial

     previouslyWe’ve hit 37C with millions in a drought – and Brits are still in complete denial

     With travel routes paralysed, emergencies declared and more than 1,000 wildfires burning through the UK this year, government adviser Lucy Easthope explains why we need to wake up to reality

   • The Guardian World15:48
     UK records hottest day of year as fifth summer heatwave reaches peak

     Kew Gardens in London hits 38.1C and 40C-plus recorded in parts of Europe with continent trapped under heat dome Europe heatwave – latest updates The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with a provisional temperature of 38.1C in southern England as Europe sweltered under a major heat dome. As temperatures on the continent surpassed 40C at the peak of the summer’s fifth heatwave, the thermometer at Kew Gardens in west London on Thursday surpassed the previous high of 38C on 28...

   • Anadolu Agency (AA)18:51
     UK issues amber extreme heat warning as temperatures set to reach 38C

     Health authorities warn of increased pressure on health, social care services

   • The Guardian World19:02edited after publishing ×4
     UK sees temperatures of 38.1C, the hottest day of 2026; Greece battles wildfires after gale force winds – as it happened

     previouslyEurope heatwave live: UK sees temperatures of 38.1C, the hottest day of 2026; Greece battles wildfires after gale force winds

     A former UK government scientific adviser warned amid the ‘shattering’ heat that worse is still to come Met Office has just offered an update on temperatures across the UK, with several stations already reporting temperatures above 30C – and it’s not even 11am. It’s 30.4C in Wych Cross, 30.3C in Charlwood, 30.2C at Kenly Airfield. Continue reading...

9. Fri, 14 August 2026

   8 reports
   • The Guardian World05:00
     Searches for UK homes with air conditioning more than double

     Most owners would consider installing aircon as heatwaves lead buyers to focus on ability to stay cool, Rightmove says Searches for homes for sale in the UK with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer as heatwaves push staying cool up the list of priorities for homebuyers, alongside nearness to good schools and transport links. In the week of the UK’s fifth heatwave, in which temperatures in parts of England hit 38C , the property website Rightmove said the heat was influencing how...

   • Times of India10:48
     Why Britain's grass is turning yellow after its driest month ever

     After experiencing the driest July on record, England's picturesque green fields have succumbed to a fading yellow hue. This alarming trend of increasing heatwaves significantly affects lawns and public parks. While native grasses possess resilience during droughts and can deepen their roots to conserve water, extended dry periods inevitably lead them to enter a dormant state, awaiting rain.

   • derbytelegraph.co.uk11:50
     Yet another East Midlands heatwave warning issued after hottest day of the year

     The heat really is pretty relentless at the moment

   • aol.co.uk12:08
     Heat health alert extended after hottest day of the year

     A heat health alert has been extended until Saturday for much of England amid warnings that high temperatures may increase health risks for vulnerable groups. It comes after temperatures provisionally reached 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday, the second time this year the country has seen temperatures hit 38C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current amber heat health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East , South West, London and East of England...

     1 reprint

     • standard.co.uk14 Aug, 13:13their copy
   • Times of India12:25
     UK heatwaves help bananas fruit, experts explain why it’s unusual
   • The Guardian World15:23edited after publishing
     One dead, dozens injured and thousands evacuated in Croatian wildfires – as it happened

     previouslyNineteen people taken to hospital after England fire, as thousands evacuated in Croatia – Europe live

     Firefighters discover body and say more than 40 people hurt in the Lokva Rogoznica and Omiš areas England has received just 4mm of rain so far in August, or 6% of the long-term average for the month , the Environment Agency said on Friday, as reported by PA. It follows the driest July on record for the country , when only 7mm of rain was measured, or 10% of the average. Continue reading...

   • nottinghampost.com17:21
     When it'll next rain in Nottingham as drought continues

     The East Midlands has been in an official drought for days

   • express.co.uk17:57
     Wear item on feet to sleep better in heatwave, Dr Amir Khan suggests

     Struggling to sleep during the heatwave? TV doctor Amir Khan suggests taking two steps to get a more restful night

10. Sat, 15 August 2026

    4 reports
    • getsurrey.co.uk07:08
      Will another UK heatwave hit? Met Office names dates heat returns

      After a summer of record temperatures and repeated heatwaves across summer 2026 the thermometers are beginning to fall but is there another spike to come?

      2 reprints

      • cambridge-news.co.uk15 Aug, 07:08their copy
      • gazettelive.co.uk15 Aug, 07:08their copy
    • The Guardian World08:01
      ‘Dangerously hostile’: heatwaves leave hospital wards unsafe, data reveals

      Figures disclosed by 33 NHS trusts show temperatures on wards during July rose above 28C limit set by NHS England Hospitals in England have recorded temperatures of almost 42C this summer, with surgeries being cancelled because operating theatres’ cooling units stopped working in the intense heat. The Northern Care Alliance NHS foundation trust, which runs four hospitals in Greater Manchester, recorded a temperature of 41.8C during last month’s heatwave – 14C above the recommended safe maximum....

    • Times of India10:58
      UK searches for homes with air conditioning jump 104% as heatwaves intensify

      Searches for homes with air conditioning in the UK have more than doubled this summer. Repeated heatwaves prompt buyers to pay greater attention to property cooling capabilities. Many households are making practical changes to keep cool during hotter weather. Britain's housing stock faces concerns about coping with increasingly hotter summers. This shift influences buyer priorities and what they are willing to purchase.

    • ibtimes.co.uk14:54
      How Hot Is Too Hot? Teachers Demand Legal Classroom Temperature Limits as UK Heatwaves Intensify

      With record-breaking heatwaves in the UK, unions urge the government to set maximum working temperatures in schools to ensure safety and comfort for students and staff.

11. Sun, 16 August 2026

    3 reports
    • Die Zeit (Germany)11:59
      Wetter in Großbritannien: In England regnet’s immer? Leider nein …

      Eigentlich ist das Wetter das Small-Talk-Thema Nummer eins. In Zeiten der Hitze hat es allerdings seine Unschuld verloren.

    • aol.co.uk21:52
      UK rain maps show every area set for showers this week after fifth heatwave

      Some Brits will see their heatwave misery alleviated this week as the first rain in months looks set to fiercely beat down on parched ground in every home nation

      1 reprint

      • mirror.co.uk16 Aug, 21:52their copy
    • newburytoday.co.uk22:01
      Rain and cooler conditions forecast after fifth heatwave of the summer

      Despite the forecast, a yellow heat health alert has been extended until 9am on Tuesday for the South East, South West, and London.

12. Mon, 17 August 2026

    2 reports
    • The Guardian World12:44edited after publishing
      Temperatures to fall across Europe as substantial rain heading for parts of UK

      Temperatures could drop by more than 15C compared with last Thursday as cold front moves in Relief from the unrelenting heat is finally arriving this week across western Europe, with more unsettled conditions bringing the chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to fall back towards the seasonal norm, with some parts of the UK even falling about 3C below normal by Thursday. After such a scorching summer, and with a temperature drop of more than 15C compared with last Thursday’s heat, it may...

    • Novinky (Czechia)13:24
      Podívejte se na záběry Londýna z termokamery během nejteplejšího dne roku

      Čtvrtek minulého týdne byl nejteplejším letošním dnem ve Velké Británii. Nejvyšší teplotu měli v Londýně, kde naměřili přes 38 °C ve stínu. A na slunci byly teploty ještě vyšší, což ukazují záběry z termokamery.

13. Tue, 18 August 2026

    3 reports
    • derbytelegraph.co.uk14:24
      Flood alert issued as first rain in months could cause disruption

      It comes more than a week after the region was moved into drought

    • express.co.uk17:28
      Met Office names 33 UK areas facing thunderstorms on Wednesday - full list

      The Met Office has said some parts of the UK could face thundery rain.

    • express.co.uk17:34
      UK households turning heating on this week urged to make one check

      Households turning on their heating are being urged to check one thing first.

14. Wed, 19 August 2026

    4 reports
    • aol.co.uk00:13
      UK weather: Met Office issues warning 'meaningful rain' expected this week

      The Met Office has said some areas in the UK will have the "first meaningful rain for a long time" this week but issued a warning about the ongoing drought situation across the UK

    • manchestereveningnews.co.uk06:05
      Met Office issues drought update as rain finally returns to Greater Manchester

      But forecasters warn it won't be enough to end the country's drought situation

    • Index.hr (Croatia)19:25
      Izdana upozorenja na oluje u Velikoj Britaniji, očekuju se poplave

      BRITANSKI Met Office izdao je žuta upozorenja zbog grmljavinskog nevremena i mogućih bujičnih poplava za sjevernu Englesku, Sjevernu Irsku i istočnu Škotsku za srijedu i četvrtak.

    • Anadolu Agency (AA)21:12
      Thunderstorm warnings issued for parts of UK, with flooding expected

      Warnings to take effect across northern England, Northern Ireland, eastern Scotland later Wednesday, with warnings to remain in place until early Thursday for northern England

15. Thu, 20 August 2026

    3 reports
    • Channel News Asia09:29
      UK faces climate rethink after summer of extreme heat and drought

      Long accustomed to preparing for cold and wet weather, the United Kingdom is confronting a very different challenge: How to cope with increasingly hot and dry conditions.

    • stokesentinel.co.uk10:25
      UK thunderstorm warning 'extended' as Stoke-on-Trent gets heatwave update

      Time to get the garden furniture in!

    • mirror.co.uk14:57
      Met Office names areas facing heavy rain on Friday - downpours in 10 counties

      Met Office weather forecasters say heavy rain is on the cards in some regions on Friday, while the BBC says the showers could turn thundery at times

16. Fri, 21 August 2026

    2 reports
    • express.co.uk10:15
      Met Office names 19 UK areas to be hit with wall of rain after end of heatwave

      Typical, just as you get used to sunshine

    • The Guardian World18:07
      Britain’s railway prepares for more extreme weather as intense El Niño develops

      Experts say more must be done to adapt to changing climate, after two trains derailed within 24 hours during a recent heatwave Railway companies are racing to prepare for another brutal summer next year, as a developing El Niño could see 2027 break more heat-related records. Britain’s railway system has already been under stress from extreme heat this summer, with several operators reducing timetables and train speeds. Continue reading...

17. Sat, 22 August 2026

    1 report
    • leftfootforward.org12:00
      Three in four Britons fear climate change is getting worse – and say UK government isn’t doing enough

      While 74% of Britons are concerned about climate change, the radical right continues to downplay its dangers, even as extreme weather is disrupting people's everyday lives and placing new pressures on households.

18. Tue, 25 August 2026

    2 reports
    • stokesentinel.co.uk09:07
      Met Office hits Stoke-on-Trent with 19-hour thunder warning

      Time to cover up the garden furniture

    • aol.co.uk09:56edited after publishing
      Sadiq Khan issues dead of night flash flooding warning as thunderstorms threaten London

      previouslyThunderstorm warning for London as weather alert issued with capital at risk of flooding

      Sir Sadiq Khan put London on alert for flash floods to hit homes as thunderstorms were forecast to erupt over the city. The London Mayor urged Londoners to prepare for possible torrential downpours. “From 3am, London is at risk of severe flash floods,” he posted on X. “Intense downpours could see up to 50mm of rainfall arrive in the space of just a few hours - almost the total average rainfall for August.” From 3am, London is at risk of severe flash floods. Intense downpours could see up to...

19. Wed, 26 August 2026

    3 reports
    • nottinghampost.com14:35
      Sudden flooding and thunderstorm warning issued after months of extreme heat

      Lightning and hail of around 2cm are also possible, the Met Office said

    • express.co.uk16:34
      Met Office issues thunderstorm and power cut warnings for 21 areas - full list

      Heavy rain and storms are set to hammer the UK.

    • liverpoolecho.co.uk17:35
      Met Office extends weather warning as thunder to hit Merseyside

      The yellow weather warning has now been extended north-westwards

20. Thu, 27 August 2026

    3 reports
    • aol.co.uk11:15
      Dozens of homes damaged by flooding as heatwaves make way for thunderstorms

      Dozens of homes have been damaged by flood water amid thunderstorm warnings and heavy rain after most of England and the whole of Wales was declared in drought. The Met Office said thundery showers across England and Wales could cause 75mm of rain in just 12 hours in some areas after the summer saw five heatwaves hit the UK. Forty flood alerts, where flooding is possible, were issued by the Environment Agency (EA) across the Midlands , Yorkshire and South East on Thursday morning. A flood alert...

      1 reprint

      • The Guardian World27 Aug, 15:41their copy
    • Anadolu Agency (AA)19:36
      Homes damaged as dozens of flood alerts issued across England

      'A few days or even weeks of wetter weather cannot reverse the impacts of several months of exceptionally dry conditions,' warns Environment Agency

    • fenlandcitizen.co.uk22:01
      Wet bank holiday forecast amid possible gales and thunder

      Heavy downpours are forecast for many, with gales possible in Scotland.

21. Fri, 28 August 2026

    1 report
    • stokesentinel.co.uk05:38
      Met Office says more hot, dry weather is on the way

      There will be a few days of rain and wind, but the weather then looks set to change

      1 reprint

      • belfastlive.co.uk28 Aug, 05:38their copy
22. Sat, 29 August 2026

    1 report
    • el-balad.com08:15
      Weather In Met: Environment Agency issues 40 flood alerts across Midlands

      Weather in met saw 40 flood alerts across the Midlands, Yorkshire and south-east of England as storms flooded homes in Birmingham.

23. Tue, 1 September 2026

    5 reports
    • civilsociety.co.uk01:15
      Ian Allsop: I hope mentioning it here goes some way to redressing this historical wrong

      Ian Allsop’s monthly satirical column...

    • newburytoday.co.uk05:40
      Wet start to autumn as Met Office expected to confirm hottest summer on record

      Several records tumbled in the summer of 2026, which the Met Office is expected to confirm as the hottest on record in provisional figures.

    • Channel News Asia14:02
      UK chalks up hottest summer on record for second year running
    • Anadolu Agency (AA)15:34
      Summer 2026 was UK’s warmest on record: Met Office

      ‘The season’s mean temperature was made around 130 times more likely due to human-induced climate change,’ says weather agency

    • The Guardian World15:36edited after publishing
      Summer of 2026 was UK’s hottest on record, Met Office says

      Meteorologists say mean average temperature of 16.5C was made 130 times more likely by climate crisis This year’s summer was the UK’s hottest on record, according to provisional data, and the Met Office said the season’s mean temperature was made 130 times more likely by the climate crisis. Record-breaking and back-to-back heatwaves have scorched much of Europe. In England, temperatures peaked at 38.1C (100.1F) at Kew Gardens in London on 13 August, and June had already been confirmed as the...

24. Wed, 2 September 2026

    3 reports
    • express.co.uk07:42
      UK weather maps turn red as Britain scorched by 27C September 'double heatwave'

      September heat again, honestly

    • Wirtualna Polska (Poland)10:58
      Padł rekord. Wielka Brytania ujawniła dane z lata

      Lato 2026 r. było w Wielkiej Brytanii najgorętsze od początku systematycznych pomiarów - podało Met Office. Średnia temperatura z czerwca, lipca i sierpnia wyniosła 16,5 st. Celsjusza i pobiła rekord z 2025 r.

    • Novinky (Czechia)13:11
      Británie zažila nejteplejší léto v historii. Kvůli změně klimatu jsou vedra mnohem pravděpodobnější

      Letošní léto bylo v Británii nejteplejší v historii měření. Podle britské meteorologické služby Met Office klimatická změna zvýšila pravděpodobnost takto vysokých teplot ve Velké Británii 130krát.

25. Thu, 3 September 2026

    1 report
    • gazettelive.co.uk10:34
      Met Office 'warm or very warm' weather update

      The Met Office has issued its UK forecast for the rest of the month