It seems like London has only just recovered from the last stint of sweaty, sleepless nights with a fan blasting at full volume in our face, and here we are about to do it all over again. Londoners are set to bask in another sweltering heatwave this week.
While temperatures won’t reach the same highs as June’s heatwave – where a record of 37.7C was set in Norfolk – it’s still set to be a scorcher. The Met Office warns that temperatures in London could rise to 34C.
Planning on soaking up the sun in one of London’s best parks? Dashing to Argos to nab a fan? Or laying low and making the most of the office air con? Whichever camp you’re in, you might be wondering how hot it’s going to get in London this week and when the heatwave might ebb. Here’s everything you need to know about the London heatwave for July 2026.
How hot will it get in London this week?
According to the Met Office, the temperatures in London are set to rise to 34C on Monday. These sweltering temperatures will continue throughout the week, with daytime highs no lower than 32C.
This means that Londoners face the threat of even more travel chaos following June’s heatwave, when soaring temperatures sparked ‘do not travel’ warnings on trains and commuters faced hefty delays.
When will the July 2026 London heatwave end?
While hot weather is all well and good for a day or two, over longer periods it can get tiring and even dangerous. If you’re wondering when we might get respite from soaring temperatures, then we’ve got good and bad news.
Right now, forecasting models are currently predicting that the heatwave could last all the way until the middle of July. The current forecast suggests a temperature exceeding 30C somewhere in the UK is likely for up to 10 consecutive days. That’s a long time in London heatwave terms.
However, although this heatwave is expected to last a while, it probably won’t bring the extreme temperatures or high humidity we saw in previous heatwaves this year. In London and the southeast, the temperature may peak at around 34C on Wednesday and Thursday.
London Heatwave: day-by-day peak temperatures
If you’re anything like us, you will be planning your week around the heatwave. You might be wondering which day to make that earlier Lime bike commute to beat the heat, and what evening is best to hit up the pub garden. Here’s a day-by-day temperature breakdown for the London heatwave this week.
Monday July 6 2026
The Met Office predicts that temperatures will reach a high of 34C on Monday. A moderate breeze will provide some respite, but expect a sweltering summer’s day.
Tuesday July 7 2026
Slightly cooler than Monday, temperatures on Tuesday will reach a max of 31C. According to the Met Office, we can expect a ‘dry and light’ day with ‘hazy sunshine’ and a ‘light breeze.’
Wednesday July 8 2026
Right now, Wednesday’s looking like a scorcher, with temperatures reaching 32C at 7pm. According to the Met Office, it will feel like 32C too – dress wisely.
Thursday July 9 2026
As it stands, this is set to be the hottest day of the week, with the Big Smoke basking in temperatures peaking at 34C. Remember your portable fan this day.
Friday July 10 2026
Friday will see temperatures cool, but only by a fraction. Temperatures will reach 33C, although a gentle breeze might bring some respite.
Saturday 11 July 2026
The weekend will arrive with highs of 32C. Expect sunny skies throughout the day, and sizzling temperatures.
Sunday 12 July 2026
This is when forecasters predict the temperature might start cooling. As it stands, the Met Office says the heatwave will last until at least Sunday, with temperatures reaching 30C.
Is there a Met Office Heat Warning for London?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts in England covering London from midday on Saturday July 4 until 8pm on Saturday July 11. In practice, this warning means that high temperatures were likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services including the increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life to the same group.
This is a step down from June’s heatwave, when amber and red heat-health alerts were issued and the Met Office even issued a rare red warning for extreme heat at the end of the month.
Keep up to date with London weather warnings on the Met Office website here.
How to stay cool in London during a heatwave
Staying cool in the capital is no easy feat – this city which just isn’t built for the heat. While 28C abroad feels easy, the same temperatures in the Big Smoke can be unbearable.
Luckily, London isn’t short on heatwave options, from leafy, shady parks to ponds and pools for a dip. Find Time Out’s ultimate guide to London’s best places to stay cool here, from ice rinks to air-conditioned museums.
Some of our favourite spots include the chilly Chislehurst Caves, air-conned Tate Britain and the draughty Tower of London.
???? Time Out’s guide to the best places in London for an ice cream.
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