A significant heatwave has been declared across many parts of England and Wales as temperatures have surged above 30°C. The Met Office has confirmed that more than 200 local authority areas now face heatwave conditions, marking the third heatwave event of the summer of 2025. Notably, several areas in Somerset and the South West are included in this heatwave declaration.
Forecasters expect sweltering heat to continue through the weekend, impacting much of Southern England, the Midlands, the North East, and southern and mid-Wales. However, some coastal regions in southeastern England, including parts of Norfolk and Kent, have yet to reach heatwave thresholds.
Heatwave declarations are issued when temperatures exceed regional thresholds for three consecutive days. These thresholds differ by area—for example, London and parts of the South East require temperatures above 28°C for three days, while the broader South East requires 27°C. In the South West, most of Wales, Northern England, and Northern Ireland, the threshold is set at 25°C.
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Mid Devon became the first area to enter heatwave conditions on Wednesday, reaching 25°C, and is now experiencing its second day of elevated temperatures, with forecasts predicting the heatwave will last at least four days. Another 211 areas entered heatwave conditions starting Thursday, with temperatures expected to peak over the next few days, extending to Sunday in many places.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts covering central and southern England, effective until July 15, emphasizing the health risks associated with prolonged high temperatures.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick commented, “This heatwave will see little cloud cover and high pollen counts. Hayfever sufferers should be prepared and take necessary precautions.”
Communities entering heatwave conditions include major cities and towns spanning from Middlesbrough and Leicester to Bristol, Oxford, and Manchester, among many others. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat, and be mindful of vulnerable individuals.
As the UK experiences this intense heatwave, awareness and adaptation remain vital to coping with the elevated temperatures across a large portion of the country.