The Met Office has revealed when the heatwave is likely to end, bringing some hope of relief as the UK continues to suffer from extreme heat this week.
Records for the hottest day in June were broken for three consecutive days this week as temperatures rocketed to 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the high of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.
A rare red weather Met Office alert stretching from London up to Oxford, and across towards Canterbury, ended at 9pm on Friday after health services, schools and transportation hubs were drastically impacted.
Hospitals declared critical incidents, more than 500 schools closed and passengers were warned not to travel as the “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” caused chaos.
An amber warning remains in place across the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of the North West, and extends into Saturday for the South East.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said that the temperatures would gradually shift over the weekend despite the heat warning remaining on Saturday.
“The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest, where an amber extreme heat warning remains in force through much of Saturday, though peaks are more likely to be in the low thirties Celsius.”
Heat health alerts have also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) until Sunday, warning that this heatwave can pose a risk to even healthy individuals.
The UK's June maximum temperature record is expected to be broken this week, and the highest minimum temperature record may be broken as well
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 23, 2026
The high temperatures only tell part of the story however, as high humidity will add to how uncomfortable it is both by day and night🌡️ pic.twitter.com/DDw4NUJz1c
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.
“It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
But the muggy nights and blistering daytime heat will start to ease over the weekend, with cooler temperatures expected from Sunday.
Explaining when the heat will start to ease, the Met Office said: “Thursday will see the peak of the heat for many, though those further east will retain extreme heat on Friday and Saturday and could continue to see further impacts, which has resulted in amber warnings.
“The far South East will retain the warmth the longest, though there should be a climbdown in figures by Saturday, with peaks around 32C likely.
“Next week is likely to see a change to more of a westerly influence on the UK’s weather, with a return to more average temperatures for the time of year and a mixture of winds and rain, particularly for those in the North West.”
Heatwave conditions are announced when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days where the maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies by county.
The threshold sits between 25C and 28C across the United Kingdom.
According to the Met Office, temperatures could be 17C cooler by Sunday, with London forecast to see highs of 24C and Cardiff 20C.
