The South West of England is bracing for another surge of intense heat next week, with long-range forecasts indicating temperatures could soar up to 35°C following a brief, cooler weekend.
After enduring several days of oppressive heat, the region will see a slight relief over the weekend. Saturday’s temperatures are expected to drop to around 28°C across southern England, feeling noticeably less intense than earlier in the week. On Sunday, temperatures will settle closer to the seasonal average, hovering near 26°C in many areas.
This weekend cooldown is likely to end a streak of 13 consecutive days during which some part of the UK has recorded temperatures of 30°C or above. It could also mark the close of the country’s third official heatwave of 2026—a heatwave defined by temperatures remaining above a set threshold for at least three days, with thresholds varying from 25°C in cooler UK regions to 28°C in the warmest locations.
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However, this respite may be short-lived. Latest data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) model points to a fresh wave of hot air moving into the region during the latter half of next week. Temperatures in western England, including Gloucestershire, are forecast to reach between 30°C and 31°C by Friday, extending warmth across central and southern England.
By Saturday, southern England may experience highs around 33°C, with areas near the Welsh border approaching 30°C. The peak of this heat surge could come on Sunday, with predictions from the GFS model suggesting temperatures might climb to between 35°C and 36°C across parts of southern and central England. Gloucestershire is among the counties facing potential highs of 35°C or more, though such projections carry some uncertainty at this range.
Temperature anomaly charts further indicate that England and Wales could encounter weather significantly hotter than typical for late July.
The Met Office is yet to issue forecasts as extreme as those from the GFS but confirms that temperatures are likely to rise again next week. Its outlook for Saturday anticipates “less hot conditions but still largely fine with bright or sunny spells,” along with cloud moving southward that could trigger isolated, possibly thundery showers.
For Sunday, the Met Office expects temperatures close to the seasonal norm, with widespread dry and fine weather, although patchy rain cannot be ruled out in northern regions.
Looking ahead, the national weather service anticipates temperatures will again climb above average later in the week, but it remains too early to confirm whether another official heatwave will develop.