UK Heatwave Peaks at 34°C: Health Alerts, Hosepipe Bans, and Wildfire Warnings Issued

The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to peak on Saturday, potentially reaching as high as 34°C.

The hottest conditions are forecast in the Midlands and south Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland could also see their warmest days of the year, with highs of 31°C and 29.5°C, respectively.

On Friday, the temperature climbed to 34.7°C in Astwood Bank, West Midlands, and Wales recorded its highest temperature of the year so far, with 32.7°C in Usk.

Amber heat health alerts remain in effect for parts of England, where millions are also facing a hosepipe ban, while wildfire warnings have been issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Across England and Wales on Saturday, temperatures are expected to widely range from the high 20s to low 30s, with south Wales potentially hitting 33°C or 34°C. Eastern England may feel slightly cooler due to an easterly breeze, but most regions will still meet official heatwave criteria.

The heat is set to persist into Saturday evening, with temperatures staying in the mid-20s even at 11:00 PM BST.

On Sunday, temperatures will ease slightly, with highs around 29°C, though some areas near London could still reach 30°C or above.

The UK Health Security Agency has stated that the amber heat health alerts — covering southern England, the Midlands, and East Anglia — will remain in place until Monday. Meanwhile, less severe yellow alerts are in place for northern England on Saturday, signalling risks for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with health conditions.

Over seven million people in Yorkshire, Kent, and Sussex are currently under a hosepipe ban, which restricts activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, or filling paddling pools. Anyone who breaks the ban could face a fine. According to South East Water, demand for drinking water in the region has hit record levels since May due to prolonged hot, dry weather.

The heatwave is expected to break for most areas on Monday, as cooler Atlantic air brings cloudier skies and showers to northern and western parts of the country.

At Wimbledon, Centre Court reached a scorching 32°C on Friday, and similar conditions are forecast in southwest London as the final rounds of the tournament take place on Saturday. This year’s championship has seen some of the hottest conditions in its 148-year history, including a record-breaking opening day of 32.3°C.

Wimbledon also implemented a heat rule for singles matches, allowing players a 10-minute break if temperatures hit 30.1°C. During Friday’s men’s singles semi-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, play was stopped twice in under five minutes to assist fans in the stands who required medical help due to the heat. Organisers have since increased free water refill points and reminded spectators to stay hydrated, seek shade, and protect themselves from the sun.

Fire services have also warned about the heightened risks of drowning as people try to cool off, urging parents to closely supervise children around water. Dry, hot conditions have also raised the risk of wildfires, which the Natural Hazards Partnership currently rates as “severe” in London.

Phil Garrigan, chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said: “Wildfires can ignite in an instant and escalate quickly. We’re asking everyone to stay vigilant and act responsibly.”

National Rail has also warned of potential travel disruptions this weekend, as the heat could affect overhead power lines and tracks.

Scientists continue to caution that extreme weather events like this are increasingly likely due to human-caused climate change.