The UK is bracing for cooler temperatures this weekend just as millions of motorists prepare for summer holidays. The RAC estimates that 14.1 million drivers will travel from Friday to Sunday, marking the second highest holiday traffic since records began in 2016.
With most schools in England and Wales on summer break—Scotland and Northern Ireland having finished earlier—the busiest travel day is expected to be Saturday with 3.8 million journeys planned. Friday and Sunday each anticipate around 3.4 million motorists on the move. The Port of Dover forecasts about 7,500 outbound cars on Friday, rising to nearly 10,000 on Saturday, with the highest traffic expected in southwest and northwest England.
On Friday, the UK experienced its 13th consecutive day where temperatures exceeded 30°C, with Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire reaching 31°C. However, the Met Office predicts a temperature dip this weekend with highs around 24°C in London and Cardiff, 21°C in Manchester, and 23°C in Glasgow.
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This summer has already shattered records with 28 days so far in 2026 surpassing 30°C, spread across May, June, and July. The standing record for the most 30°C-plus days in a calendar year is 34, set in 1995.
The prolonged heat and drought conditions have escalated wildfire risks significantly. The National Resilience data reports nearly 499 wildfires across England and Wales from January to mid-July, a figure below last year’s 748 but still considerably higher than previous years. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warns that wildfire activity remains unusually elevated, citing the dry vegetation that can ignite rapidly even from a small spark.
Furthermore, central and southeast England are currently enduring the longest consecutive rain-free periods recorded this century, with 14 days of zero rainfall from July 2 to July 15. This surpasses previous dry spells dating back to 1996 and 1997 in these regions, respectively.
Scientists emphasize that climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns globally, leading to more extreme and prolonged dry spells. Following repeated heatwaves and an unprecedentedly warm spring, the environment is tinder-dry, increasing the likelihood of severe wildfires in the coming weeks.
The NFCC urges the public to avoid disposable barbecues, dispose of cigarettes responsibly, and properly manage litter to reduce fire hazards. They also highlight the role of education, encouraging parents and carers to inform young people about fire safety and respect for natural spaces.
This summer has also seen the introduction of multiple hosepipe bans across southern England due to increasing water stress. Reservoir levels in England now stand at 79%, roughly five percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year. Several reservoirs—including Wimbleball, Grafham, and Hanningfield—are notably low, with Blagdon reservoir in Somerset reaching exceptionally low levels.
Although no parts of England are officially in drought, the Environment Agency is ramping up drought response efforts, with the National Drought Group scheduled to meet on July 20 to assess conditions. The public is urged to conserve water and heed official advice as the country navigates an increasingly challenging summer.