South West Faces Another Wave of Scorching Heat with Forecasts Predicting 35°C

The South West of England is bracing for a return of intense heat next week, as long-range weather forecasts predict temperatures could soar up to 35°C following a brief weekend cooldown.

After enduring several days of sweltering weather, a slight dip in temperatures is expected over the weekend, offering a temporary respite from the ongoing heatwave. The Met Office anticipates that Saturday will be milder, with highs around 28°C across southern England, while Sunday’s temperatures should hover near the seasonal average of approximately 26°C.

This cooler interlude marks an end to a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive days where parts of the UK have recorded temperatures of 30°C or above. It could also conclude the country’s third official heatwave of 2026—a heatwave is officially recognized when temperatures exceed a location-specific threshold for at least three consecutive days. These thresholds range from 25°C in cooler regions to 28°C in the warmest parts of south-east England.

However, this relief is expected to be short-lived. Latest outputs from the GFS weather model indicate a fresh surge of hot air sweeping in from the second half of next week, with temperatures climbing rapidly from Friday onwards. Early forecasts suggest western counties, including Gloucestershire, might see temperatures between 30°C and 31°C on Friday, with central and southern England also experiencing very warm conditions.

By Saturday, temperatures in parts of southern England could reach 33°C, with areas near the Welsh border approaching 30°C.

The peak of this heatwave is forecast for Sunday, when the GFS model projects temperatures to soar between 35°C and 36°C across parts of southern and central England. Gloucestershire is highlighted as one of the counties likely to reach these extreme highs, although these projections may change as the forecast is refined.

Temperature anomaly charts also show that England and Wales are set to experience temperatures significantly above the late July average.

While the Met Office has yet to commit to such extreme readings, it confirms that warmer weather is expected to build again next week. Its forecast for Saturday reads: “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.”

Looking ahead to Sunday, the Met Office expects temperatures “near the seasonal norm,” with most areas remaining dry and fine, though some patchy rain may occur in northern regions.

Overall, the national weather service anticipates temperatures will rise above average again next week. However, it remains too early to determine whether this will culminate in another official heatwave.