The hottest temperature in the UK was recorded in London on Monday as the capital braces for eight more days of scorching temperatures.
The heatwave brought temperatures of 34C in Teddington, south-west London, with temperatures forecast to hit 32C today.
A heatwave was officially declared in the southeast on Monday, and temperatures are set to stay high until the end of next week.
It comes ahead of an amber heat health alert that will come into force in London on Wednesday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert covers much of the south of the country and runs until 9pm on Sunday, July 11.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- How hot will it get during the heatwave?
- Heat warning for Wimbledon spectators
- Climate change could cost London £15 billion a year by 2050
- City Hall backs bus driver 'Bill of Rights' amid heatwave
Met Office warn of 'tropical nights' later this week
12:17 , Tom Place
The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Steven Keates, has said that people should “take the usual precautions with the heat and the Sun” during this week’s heatwave.
He said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year.
“However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking.
“Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s, and few places could reach 34-35C later this week.”
The Met Office have also warned that later this week England could experience “tropical nights”, where temperatures do not fall below 20C.
Mainland Europe is expecting similar heat, with Spain, Portugal and southern France particularly forecasting high temperatures.
Heatwave conditions continue in London
11:12 , Tom Place
Temperatures in the capital reached 26.1C by 11am today.
The Met Office is forecasting highs of 31C later in the afternoon.
City Hall backs bus driver 'Bill of Rights' amid London heatwaves
10:56 , Tom Place
City Hall has unanimously backed a motion to introduce a ‘Bill of Rights’ for bus drivers following a sweltering London heatwave.
Temperatures soared up to 50C in some drivers’ cabs last week while many worked in buses with faulty air-conditioning or air-cooling systems.
Unite the Union claims Transport for London and Sir Sadiq Khan are not doing enough to protect drivers and continue to put their safety at risk.
Reform UK Assembly Member Keith Prince has laid down a motion proposing a ‘Bill of Rights’ which includes a dozen key principles.
You can read the full story here:
City Hall backs bus driver 'Bill of Rights' amid sweltering London heatwaves
Stop using hosepipes, Thames Water urges
10:33 , Tom Place
Londoners are being urged to stop using hosepipes as another heatwave grips the capital.
Thames Water said it was struggling to keep up with demand at times as the capital frazzles in temperatures spiralling towards 34C.
The company, which has been heavily criticised for its performance on sewage and leakages, stopped short of imposing a hosepipe ban.
But it appealed to its 16 million customers in London, the Thames Valley and other areas not to use their hosepipes to water their gardens, clean their cars or for other purposes.
Stop using hosepipes, Thames Water urges as London faces 34C heatwave
Thunderstorms risk for London later this week
09:44 , Tom Place
London could be hit by thunderstorms as it frazzles in its third heatwave of the year.
The Met Office said there was a risk of showers and possibly thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday this week.
The prospect of more lightning erupting in the skies above the capital came as health chiefs upgraded their warning about the latest heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said existing yellow heat-health alerts for London, the South East, the South West, the East of England and the Midlands were being escalated to amber.
The higher level warning will be in place from 9am on Wednesday July 8 until 9pm on Sunday July 12.
Thunderstorms risk for London in week-long 34C heatwave
Wimbledon forecast
09:07 , Tom Place
After a scorching hot day on Monday, Tuesday is set to be the coolest day of the week at the All England Club, with highs of 29C forecast this afternoon.
It comes the day after a male spectator collapsed in the crowd on Centre Court amid the high temperatures yesterday.
Umpire Robert Balmforth noticed the incident occur in the stand opposite and immediately called for help.
The male spectator was supported by two stewards, who carried him to the nearest exit while shaded by an umbrella, the Sun reported.
Heatwave sparks fears for wildlife despite crackdown on swimming in Hampstead ponds
08:50 , Tom Place
Concerns have been raised about an invasion of Hampstead Heath’s wildlife ponds by “shameful” swimmers as London is hit by its third heatwave of the year.
The Model Boating Pond in north London has been plagued by swimmers desperate to cool off, bathing in undesignated ponds and disrupting the local wildlife.
In footage captured by The Standard on Monday, swimmers were spotted paddling just metres away from a bevy of swans, with other rulebreakers making it to the far side of the pond before being detected by rangers.
The City of London Corporation has repeatedly urged visitors to abide by the rules and only swim in the designated lidos. The corporation has also instated extra security, barbed wire, and glaring signage to put a stop to the unauthorised swimming.
You can read the full story here:
Heatwave sparks fresh fears of ‘shameful’ swimming in Hampstead Heath ponds
33C reached on Monday
08:37 , Tom Place
London reached a high of 33.1C on Monday, with that temperature being recorded at 2pm in Heathrow.
On Tuesday, the mercury is yet again expected to exceed 30C - with highs of 31C predicted by the Met Office this afternoon.
According to the national weather service, temperatures will be 30C or higher each day this week, as the capital is gripped by the third heatwave of the year.
How heatwaves are burning a hole in London’s economy
08:01 , Tom Place
Economists are counting the £440 million cost of preparing London for a future of heatwaves.
The extreme heat and humidity cut workers’ productivity by reducing mental and physical performance, according to Oxford Economics analysis.
It said the latest heatwave would cut the UK’s labour productivity growth by 1.5%, with the most-struck sectors including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and hospitality.
As the UK recorded its hottest June day on record this year, thermometers hit 37.7C — well above 34C, the temperature at which workers can lose 50% of their work capacity, according to the International Labour Organization.
You can read the full story here:
How heatwaves are burning a hole in London’s economy
Good morning
07:52 , Tom Place
We are resuming our live weather coverage this morning, with more scorching temperatures expected in the capital on Tuesday.
Highs of 31C are forecast in London by the Met Office.
What will the forecast be for England's Quarter Finals match against Norway?
Monday 6 July 2026 18:00 , Megan Howe
If you're heading to the pub or looking to fire up the barbecue to watch England's quarter-final clash with Norway at 10pm on Saturday, you’re in luck, as it’s set to be a scorcher.
The capital is in the grip of another heatwave this week – its third of the year – with temperatures expected to soar to 32C on Thursday.
Thunderstorms warning for London as heatwave builds
Monday 6 July 2026 16:13 , Matt Watts
London could be hit by thunderstorms as it frazzles in its third heatwave of the year.
The Met Office said there was a risk of showers and possibly thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday.
The prospect of more lightning erupting in the skies above the capital came as health chiefs upgraded their warning about the latest heatwave.
Read the full article below.
Thunderstorms risk for London in week-long 34C heatwave
Spectator collapses in the crowd on Centre Court
Monday 6 July 2026 15:41 , Matt Watts
A male spectator collapsed in the crowd on Centre Court at Wimbledon amid the scorching temperatures this afternoon.
Umpire Robert Balmforth noticed the incident occur in the stand opposite and immediately called for help.
The male spectator was supported by two stewards, who carried him to the nearest exit while shaded by an umbrella, the Sun reported.
Temperatures during the Championships have been exceptionally high and were over 30 degrees on Monday afternoon.
Alexandra Eala and Jasmine Paolini were seated during change of ends of their match when the incident occurred.
How hot will it get during the London heatwave?
Monday 6 July 2026 15:09 , Tom Place
The Met Office is expecting highs close to the peak of June’s record-breaking hot spell this week, with London once-again to be gripped by rising temperatures.
It is forecasting seven straight days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C in London - starting with 34C on Monday. That would represent a big jump in temperatures in just a day, with parts of London reaching a high of just over 27C on Sunday.
How hot will it get during the London heatwave?
Capital hits 33C
Monday 6 July 2026 14:46 , Tom Place
The mercury reached 33.1C at Heathrow at 2pm today.
The Met Office are still forecasting highs of 34C later on this afternoon - and every day this week is predicted to hit at least 30C as we enter a third heatwave of the summer.
UKHSA upgrades health alerts to amber
Monday 6 July 2026 14:42 , Tom Place
The UKHSA has upgraded heat health alerts for London later this week.
From 9am on July 8 until 9pm on July 12, the capital will be under Amber alerts, meaning significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and a likely increased demand on all health and social care services.
AA give advice for driving during heatwave
Monday 6 July 2026 14:02 , Tom Place
The AA has given advice to drivers on how to cope with the heat during this week’s high temperatures.
Tony Rich, a spokesman for the AA on road safety, said: “With temperatures expected to climb into the low 30s across parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as they would ice or heavy rain.
“A few simple checks before setting off can make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check your coolant level and carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets.
“If you’re planning a longer journey, build in regular breaks and try to avoid the hottest part of the day where possible.
“Should you break down, get yourself and your passengers to a place of safety, ideally behind the safety barrier if there is one, and keep hydrated while waiting for assistance.”
Temperatures top 30C
Monday 6 July 2026 13:31 , Tom Place
We have hit 30C in the capital, with Heathrow recording a provisional temperature of 30.8C at 1pm.
Trains and cars to be impacted by high temperatures
Monday 6 July 2026 12:57 , Tom Place
National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates over the coming days because of the forecast heatwave.
Heat-related problems that can affect the railway include buckled rails, sagging overhead electric wires and lineside fires.
Steel rails can exceed 50C when the air temperature is 30C.
It said speed restrictions may be introduced in some areas this week to minimise the risk.
Vehicle breakdown rescue companies are also likely to be busier than usual because of the high temperatures.
Drivers have been advised to carry plenty of water and conduct essential vehicle checks before setting off, particularly tyre pressures and their levels of coolant and oil.
Met Office warn of 'tropical nights' later this week
Monday 6 July 2026 12:35 , Tom Place
The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Steven Keates, has said that people should “take the usual precautions with the heat and the Sun” during this week’s heatwave.
He said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year.
“However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking.
“Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s, and few places could reach 34-35C later this week.”
The Met Office have also warned that later this week England could experience “tropical nights”, where temperatures do not fall below 20C.
Mainland Europe is expecting similar heat, with Spain, Portugal and southern France particularly forecasting high temperatures.
Temperatures reach 29C
Monday 6 July 2026 12:13 , Tom Place
Temperatures in the capital reached a provisional 29.1C by 12pm on Monday.
The Met Office is predicting highs of 34C later on this afternoon in London.
Heat warning for Wimbledon spectators
Monday 6 July 2026 11:58 , Tom Place
Wimbledon has encouraged guests to stay hydrated and keep safe under the sun as guests gear up for what is expected to be the hottest day of the championships so far.
Temperatures could reach as high as 34C at the south-west London grand slam grounds on Monday, and are not expected to dip much below 30C for the remainder of the tournament, according to a Met Office forecast.
Guests milling around the grounds fanned themselves to keep cool and watched matches under parasols in the absence of any shade in the stands.
All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton insisted Wimbledon is prepared for the spike in temperatures, with plans in place to protect guests, staff and players in the heat.
She told reporters: “We’ve had a bit of practise, particularly last year, but over the week before the championships (as well), and we’ve got our usual measures in place.
“There’s the heat rule present for the players, although I think, looking at the temperatures, we don’t anticipate getting close to that over these next few days.”
Wimbledon’s heat rule allows for a 10-minute break during a match when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reaches 30.1C or higher.
The rule applies after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third for all best-of-five-set matches.
Players may leave the court during the break, but cannot receive coaching or medical treatment.
When will it rain again in London?
Monday 6 July 2026 11:37 , Tom Place
Londoners are being urged to stop using hosepipes as another heatwave grips the capital.
Thames Water said it was struggling to keep up with demand at times as the capital frazzles in temperatures spiralling towards 34C.
The last rain in London was nine days ago on June 27, when thunderstorms erupted over the city.
But when will it next rain again? You can read the full story from The Standard’s chief reporter Nicholas Cecil here:
When will it rain again in London? Thames Water urges people not to use hosepipes
How long will the heatwave last?
Monday 6 July 2026 11:05 , Tom Place
The heatwave expected to hit the capital this week is set to stretch into the middle of the month.
The Met Office is forecasting seven straight days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C in London - starting with 34C today.
A week-long warning from health officials has come into force for parts of the UK, including London, saying high temperatures over the coming days could cause a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Highs of 33C later today
Monday 6 July 2026 10:13 , Tom Place
Temperatures reached a provisional 27.9C in the capital at 10am today.
The Met Office are suggesting highs later of 33C, which should occur between 3pm and 5pm.
Up to 23C already
Monday 6 July 2026 09:21 , Tom Place
A provisional temperature of 23.1C has been recorded in London by 9am this morning.
Thermometers are expected to hit 30C by lunchtime, with highs of up to 34C this afternoon.
Climate change could cost London £15 billion a year by 2050
Monday 6 July 2026 09:06 , Tom Place
A new report has warned that the impacts of climate change could cost London up to £15 billion a year by 2050.
The report, from Central London Forward (CLF), a partnership of the 12 most central local authorities in the capital, said that "drastic action” needs to be taken at all levels of government.
More frequent and severe heatwaves, floods, and drought in the coming decades could affect Londoners' health and finances.
It has urged the Greater London Authority (GLA) to take action, such as creating more green spaces and reducing the impact of flooding.
How hot will it get during the London heatwave?
Monday 6 July 2026 08:51 , Tom Place
The Met Office is expecting highs close to the peak of June’s record-breaking hot spell this week, with London once-again to be gripped by rising temperatures.
It is forecasting seven straight days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C in London - starting with 34C on Monday. That would represent a big jump in temperatures in just a day, with parts of London reaching a high of just over 27C on Sunday.
How hot will it get during the London heatwave?
Wimbledon forecast
Monday 6 July 2026 08:41 , Tom Place
It’s going to be a hot on at the All England Club today, as the second week of the championships gets underway.
With the round of 16 concluding today in both the men and women’s singles, temperatures are forecast to be 27C by the time play starts on the outside courts at 11am, and it should be well into the 30s by the time the show courts start at 1pm/.
Temperatures already in the 20s
Monday 6 July 2026 08:32 , Tom Place
It hit 20C by 8am in London today, with Heathrow reaching 20.3C.
There is a barely a cloud in the sky across the capital this morning - and temperatures aren’t forecast to dip back below 20C until after 4am on Tuesday morning.
London set to swelter
Monday 6 July 2026 08:23 , Tom Place
With London set to reach 34C today, the capital will be hotter than a number of popular holiday destinations.
Barbados, Ibiza, Rome, and Athens are all forecast to be cooler than London today.
What is causing the latest heatwave?
Monday 6 July 2026 08:15 , Tom Place
The expected heatwave this week will be a result of a ridge of high pressure that is set to extend north-eastwards across the UK, while the jet stream shifts further north.
This will block the progress of Atlantic low-pressure systems, leading to a more settled weather pattern - bringing about a period of plenty of sun and dry weather.
City Hall backs bus driver 'Bill of Rights' amid sweltering London heatwaves
Monday 6 July 2026 08:09 , Tom Place
City Hall has unanimously backed a motion to introduce a ‘Bill of Rights’ for bus drivers following a sweltering London heatwave.
Temperatures soared up to 50C in some drivers’ cabs in June while many worked in buses with faulty air-conditioning or air-cooling systems.
You can read the full story here:
City Hall backs bus driver 'Bill of Rights' amid sweltering London heatwaves
Trains could be affected by hot weather
Monday 6 July 2026 08:00 , Tom Place
The forthcoming heatwave raises the threat of more travel disruption for Londoners after record hot weather in June sparked “do not travel” warnings on the railways and delays and cancellations to commuter service.
Passengers were told to attempt to travel only if “absolutely essential” and check trains are running, as temperatures reached up to 37C in southern England.
National Rail is already saying that the forecast weather may cause trains to be disrupted.
They are advising passengers to check before they travel and to allow more time for your journey, as speed restrictions may be put in place which can cause delays and cancellations.
Could London be hit with a hosepipe ban?
Monday 6 July 2026 07:51 , Tom Place
Speculation is increasing over a potential hosepipe ban for London this summer, with one water company already urging people in the capital not to waste supplies.
Southern Water says on its website that “the warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25% lower than expected for this time of year”.
It adds that the River Test has lost a third of its water within the last month, “putting pressure on our ability to treat and supply your water”.
Southern Water says: “To protect local rivers, including the River Test and Itchen that supply most of your water, and to keep taps flowing, we need to introduce restrictions.
“We recognise that customers with medical needs may still need to use a hosepipe. Customers on our priority services register with medical or mobility needs, including blue badge holders and those on our WaterSure tariff, are exempt. Anything you can do to reduce or avoid hosepipe use would be greatly appreciated.”
South East Water’s temporary hosepipe ban for people living in Kent came into force on Friday.
A hosepipe ban stops customers using a hosepipe for non-essential activities, including: watering gardens, including using a sprinkler system; filling paddling pools, hot tubs, swimming pools, ponds or fountains; washing cars, patios or windows.
How long will the heatwave last?
Monday 6 July 2026 07:42 , Tom Place
The heatwave expected to hit the capital this week is set to stretch into the middle of the month.
The Met Office is forecasting seven straight days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 30C in London - starting with 34C today.
A week-long warning from health officials has come into force for parts of the UK, including London, saying high temperatures over the coming days could cause a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Today's forecast
Monday 6 July 2026 07:34 , Tom Place
The Met Office is predicting a scorcher on Monday, with blue skies and temperatures reaching up to 34C in the capital.
It should be into the mid 20s well before noon, and will remain in the mid 20s until well into the early hours - so it might be time to get the fans and air conditioning units back out.
Good morning
Monday 6 July 2026 07:29 , Tom Place
Welcome to our live weather coverage.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates as the capital seems set for another scorching week.
