Temperatures are expected to rise above 30C in parts of England and Wales today as the UK's third heatwave of the year continues
Parts of the south and east of England officially declared a heatwave on Monday and have seen temperatures reach 30C or higher for the last five days
Temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking like those experienced in May and June, but this heatwave could be one of the longest lasting since the one that hit in 1976
Amber heat health alerts are in place across southern and central England until Sunday night, with yellow alerts covering northern England
On Wednesday, temperatures peaked at 33.8C at Heathrow Airport, with Wales recording 31.2C at Cardiff Bute Park, Scotland seeing 29C at Aboyne and 27.1C at Helen's Bay in Northern Ireland
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Image source, Getty ImagesAs with a number of recent heatwaves, comparisons are being made to the summer of 1976.
If you remember that summer, you might recall scorching temperatures similar to what the UK is facing today.
Temperatures peaked at 35.9C (96.6F).
England in particular saw multiple locations record 13 to 16 consecutive days above 30C. It still holds the record for the longest-lasting heatwave in the UK.
As a result, a drought saw the driest summer since 1772, leading to the government appointing a minister for drought, and hosepipe bans strictly enforced through patrols touring the streets.
The hot weather lasted until late summer, when thunderstorms brought rain - and flooding - to many parts of the country.
September and October were extremely wet months, bringing an end to the drought.
Image source, Getty Images
Jennifer Bartram
Senior weather presenter
Image source, BBC Weather Watchers/@Mark HallamOne of the BBC's Weather Watchers captured this sunrise over Church Broughton in Derbyshire
We’re not expecting this current heatwave to break any records – but it is still going to be very hot, and the heat is going to be sticking around for quite some time.
During June’s heatwave, temperatures peaked at 37.7C (99.9F) in Lingwood, Norfolk, smashing the previous June record of 35.6C (96F).
Today we’re expecting temperatures to climb to 35C (95F) - still extremely hot but not breaking any records.
Although temperatures will cool off a little into the weekend, many places will still reach the official heatwave thresholds through much of next week.
People will no doubt be drawing comparisons with the long hot summer of 1976, where the UK saw 16 consecutive days above 30C – but this record isn’t likely to be broken.
The highest July temperature recorded in the UK was during the unprecedented heatwave of 2022, where the mercury rose to an astonishing 40.3C (104.5F) in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Jennifer Bartram
Senior weather presenter
Although some places may start off a little misty, it’s going to be another dry, sunny and hot day today, with high pressure continuing to drive this heatwave.
How hot?
Well, across England and Wales, we’re looking at temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s.
The highest temperatures are expected to be 33-34C towards south-east and central southern England, possibly up to 35C in some areas.
Far western and far northern England and west Wales can expect highs of 24-27C, and temperatures across much of Scotland and Northern Ireland in the sunshine will reach 22-25C.
Not everywhere will feel the heat, though.
Northern and western areas of Scotland will have a cloudier day today with the chance of some light rain, with temperatures here around 15-18C.
Jennifer Bartram
Senior weather presenter
Temperatures are expected to reach 35C (95F) today as the current heatwave spreads further north and west across the UK.
The year's third heatwave, which began earlier this week, is not expected to break new temperature records, but the longevity of the heat will make it feel remarkable.
The heatwave could be one of the longest lasting since the infamous heatwave of 1976. During it, England in particular saw multiple locations record 13 to 16 consecutive days above 30C.
On Wednesday, temperatures peaked at 33.8C at Heathrow Airport in the strong July sunshine with Wales recording 31.2C at Cardiff Bute Park, Scotland seeing 29C at Aboyne and 27.1C at Helen's Bay in Northern Ireland.
Amber heat health alerts are in place across parts the Midlands, eastern and southern England until 12 July, with yellow heat health alerts are also in force across northern England for the same period.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates and advice on the hot weather throughout the day.
