Heatwave conditions to return for many as UK temperatures to peak at 35C

Heatwave conditions are poised to return across much of the UK, with temperatures forecast to peak at 35 °C. For most of England and Wales the third heatwave of the year ended when cooler air moved in, lowering maximum temperatures to the 20‑24 °C range. However, two locations—Usk and Exeter—have continued to satisfy heatwave criteria since that break and have now logged 20 consecutive days of heatwave conditions, the longest stretch recorded so far this year. As temperatures dip further over the weekend and parts of the UK see scattered rain, those localized heatwaves are likely to come to an end, although the respite may only be temporary. Next week, high pressure is expected to build to the south of the UK, causing rain‑bearing fronts to stall. Consequently, any wet weather will be confined to northern and western areas, especially north‑west Scotland, while southern parts of the country could see temperatures rise again. This pattern could set the stage for a fourth heatwave, although the Met Office warns that isolated high readings alone would not suffice. As the office stated: "If only 1 or 2 stations meet heatwave criteria, that would not be defined as a heatwave."