Southampton is set to swelter under the third heatwave of the year, with the Met Office confirming extensive sunshine and light winds will push temperatures into the mid-thirties this week. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions for the third time in 2026, following earlier spells in May and June.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C early in the week, climbing to 33°C by Wednesday and 34°C by Thursday, with isolated spots potentially hitting 35°C. Unlike June’s record-breaking heatwave, this event brings lower humidity and fewer exceptionally warm nights, though some larger urban areas may still hover in the high teens overnight. The very warm conditions are likely to last into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
Southern areas are expected to remain hot through at least mid-July, with high pressure likely to maintain dry and settled conditions until the end of the month. By contrast, the June heatwave saw England record its warmest June on record, the UK hit 37.7°C in Norfolk, and red extreme heat warnings were issued for three consecutive days. At least five water-related deaths were reported during that period, and the overnight temperature record was broken when Cardiff Bute Park recorded 23.5°C on 25 June.
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