South of England Braced for Fourth Heatwave This Summer

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Parts of southern and central England are forecast to experience a significant rise in temperatures later this month, as weather models suggest the arrival of a fourth heatwave in August. After a brief spell of milder conditions, forecasters expect the mercury to surge into the mid-30s Celsius, with some regions potentially reaching 36°C.

According to WX Charts, a weather mapping service, a period of sustained high temperatures is likely between Wednesday, 13 August, and Tuesday, 19 August. Counties expected to be among the warmest include Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Greater London, Surrey, West Sussex, Kent, East Sussex, Hertfordshire, Essex, and the Isle of Wight, with forecasts suggesting 30°C as early as midweek.

As the warm air mass settles across the south, the heat is anticipated to spread further westward by the weekend. On Saturday, 16 August, temperatures could again reach 30°C along the south coast, extending into Devon and Cornwall. The Midlands and parts of the South West are also set to warm up, with temperatures forecast to rise to 32°C in some inland areas.

The peak of the heatwave is currently expected on Monday, 17 August, with forecasts indicating highs of 34°C in Birmingham and surrounding areas. A hotspot just south of Worcester could see the highest temperature of the period, potentially reaching 36°C, according to WX Charts.

In its long-range outlook covering 9–18 August, the Met Office (the United Kingdom’s national weather service) has highlighted a developing north–south divide in weather conditions. Northern areas may experience unsettled weather with showers, occasional thunder, and strong winds, while southern regions are more likely to remain dry, with warm sunshine and lighter winds.

“There is a small chance of some rain or showers even in the south,” the Met Office stated, “but more likely it will be mainly dry and warm here.” It further noted that while temperatures in the north are expected to be close to average initially, the chance of high pressure becoming more dominant later in the month increases the likelihood of settled, dry conditions across wider parts of the country.

This would mark the fourth official heatwave of the summer across England, contributing to what has already been considered a notably warm season. Although exact definitions vary by region, the Met Office typically classifies a heatwave as a period of three or more consecutive days exceeding a specified temperature threshold.

Authorities are expected to issue public health reminders should the heat persist, especially for elderly residents, those with underlying health conditions, and households in urban areas, where higher temperatures are more likely to be retained overnight.

While brief unsettled spells remain a possibility towards the end of the forecast window, forecasters continue to suggest that above-average temperatures and drier weather will dominate much of southern and central England through the middle of the month.

As the school holidays continue and summer events draw crowds outdoors, those in affected regions are advised to prepare accordingly for the coming heat, especially with the hottest days potentially still to come.