UK faces 37‑C heatwave as Met Office predicts very warm August

The Met Office has issued a forecast that August 2026 will be "very warm again" across the United Kingdom, with temperatures reaching up to 37 °C in Sussex and Gloucestershire and 32‑33 °C in London. Six regions are expected to record daytime highs above 30 °C, signalling another heat‑wave after three already recorded this summer.

Officials warned that the prolonged heat could extend drought conditions, trigger hose‑pipe bans for millions, raise wildfire risk and cause widespread transport disruptions. The agency noted that 2025 was the country's hottest year on record, indicating that such extreme temperatures are becoming the new norm.

Energy and home‑improvement experts have outlined steps to "heat‑proof" residences, including installing air‑conditioning (≈£2,000 per room) or heat‑pump systems (up to five times the cost). Additional guidance covers lawn care, deeper watering, and avoiding short mowing to mitigate grass damage.

While a brief spell of rain is forecast for northern Britain later in July, high‑pressure systems are expected to dominate, making August the most intense heat period of the season.