The South West of England is poised for another spell of intense heat next week, with long-range weather forecasts predicting temperatures could soar as high as 35C after a brief cooldown over the weekend.
Following several days of relentless heat, the region is expected to experience a slight dip in temperatures this weekend, potentially marking the end of England’s latest heatwave. According to the Met Office, Saturday will bring a noticeable relief with highs around 28C across southern England, while Sunday temperatures are expected to align closer to the seasonal average of approximately 26C.
This temporary cooldown will likely interrupt a stretch of 13 consecutive days during which some part of the UK consistently recorded temperatures above 30C. It may also bring a pause to what has been the country’s third official heatwave of 2026 — a status achieved when areas record temperatures exceeding their regional thresholds for at least three straight days. These thresholds vary from 25C in cooler UK regions up to 28C in the warmer southeast.
READ MORE: We Tried Juliet: The ‘Small but Perfect’ Cotswolds Restaurant Crowned Among the UK’s Best
READ MORE: To My Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Heroes – Thank You for Saving My Life
However, the reprieve may be short-lived. Recent data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) indicates a fresh surge of hot air expected to hit from Friday next week. Projections show western areas, including Gloucestershire, reaching temperatures between 30C and 31C, while much of central and southern England will also experience very warm conditions.
By Saturday, southern counties could see readings near 33C, with locations close to the Welsh border approaching 30C. The peak of the heatwave is forecast for Sunday, when temperatures might spike between 35C and 36C in parts of southern and central England, specifically affecting Gloucestershire and surrounding counties. These projections remain subject to change as models are updated.
Temperature anomaly charts further suggest that much of England and Wales could see temperatures significantly above the late July average.
While the Met Office has not yet matched the GFS’s higher temperature forecasts, it confirms that warmer weather is expected to build again next week. The official forecast for Saturday anticipates, “Less hot than of late but still largely fine with bright or sunny spells. Cloud spreading southwards could bring isolated showers that may turn thundery.”
For Sunday, the Met Office forecasts temperatures “near the seasonal norm,” with dry conditions prevailing for most, though some patchy rain cannot be ruled out in northern areas.
Looking ahead, the national weather service expects above-average temperatures to return during the week, but it remains too early to determine whether another official heatwave will be declared.