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UK heatwave maps reveal 26 regions set for 28C to 31C scorcher - full list
Reach Daily Express | May 20, 2026 3:40 PM CST

Britain is bracing for a heatwave next week as temperatures across the country are forecast to surge beyond 30C, with the scorching conditions expected to last several days.

Weather maps from WXCharts, which utilise MetDesk data, have turned a striking deep red, illustrating the sweep of hot air poised to engulf the UK.

The forecast suggests that by Thursday, May 28, London could bask in highs of 32C, while other parts of the country may also reach 30C.

This could signal the first official heatwave of 2026 for the UK.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures exceeding a county-specific threshold, reflecting unusually hot weather for the time of year.

The Met Office has forecast "warm weather" for much of the UK, with southern regions set to enjoy the most of the sunshine, as some areas could reach 29C by Tuesday evening.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to bring the hottest temperatures of 2026 so far, with the mercury climbing above 30C on Wednesday, and Surrey likely to bear the brunt of the heat.

Neighbouring counties will also swelter in the high twenties, with Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire forecast to reach 29C.

Parts of the West Midlands will also push towards the top of the twenties, with Shropshire expected to hit 29C.

The vast majority of the rest of the country will comfortably remain above 27C, while Scotland, though cooler, will still see pleasant temperatures of 22C. Temperatures will peak on Thursday, with some areas hitting highs of 31C and 32C.

The capital and its surrounding counties are set to surpass 30C on Thursday, while both the West and East Midlands look set to reach 29C.

Full list of regions with temperatures over 28C
  • London
  • Kent
  • Surrey
  • East Sussex
  • Hampshire
  • Berkshire
  • Buckinghamshire
  • Hertfordshire
  • Bedfordshire
  • Cambridgeshire
  • Somerset
  • Bristol
  • Gloucestershire
  • Hereford
  • Worcestershire
  • Shropshire
  • Cheshire
  • Staffordshire
  • Warwickshire
  • Northants
  • Lincolnshire
  • Derbyshire
  • Nottinghamshire
  • Lincolnshire
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk

    • The Met Office's long range forecast says: "Through the following week, high pressure is expected to broadly remain in place for much of the UK, and fine weather is likely to continue for most of the country.

    "There may be occasions where low pressure to the north may bring some brief spells of rain across northern parts, but in general fair weather will dominate.

    "Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds."

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