Darren Bett

Temperatures across the UK will fall over the weekend as northerly winds bring an end to heatwave conditions in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, though much of the south will remain warmer than average. Despite the cooldown, dry weather will persist, with several regions approaching or exceeding a month without rain and millions already under hosepipe bans. Conditions are forecast to warm again early next week as high pressure remains dominant. A new Met Office climate report highlights the growing intensity of UK heat extremes, noting significant warming compared with late‑20th‑century averages.

Southern and south‑west England have recorded nearly double their average July sunshine in under two weeks as persistent high pressure drives widespread heat across the UK. Many areas have exceeded 30C for 10 consecutive days, with London locations among the hottest. England has seen extremely low rainfall, prompting hosepipe bans and raising wildfire risks. Although temperatures are expected to dip slightly over the weekend due to a northerly wind, high pressure is forecast to rebuild next week, bringing a return to hotter, sunnier conditions nationwide.

Temperatures will briefly cool in parts of the UK over the weekend, though the ongoing heatwave continues with health alerts in place across much of England. A shift in wind direction moves the hottest conditions toward the west Midlands and south‑east Wales, with highs still reaching around 33C on Saturday. Cooler, cloudier conditions affect eastern areas, while Scotland and Northern Ireland see more cloud and lower temperatures. The heatwave is expected to intensify again next week, with temperatures possibly exceeding 30C for 12 consecutive days. Hosepipe bans now affect millions as water companies respond to low rainfall, despite uneven winter and spring precipitation across the UK.

Extreme heat is affecting the US East Coast ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with temperatures near or above 100F and heat index values potentially reaching 115F in major cities. The National Weather Service warns of prolonged, dangerous conditions with little overnight relief. New York and Washington face unusually high temperatures, prompting safety warnings and restrictions on public events. President Donald Trump still plans to speak outdoors during holiday celebrations despite the heat. Canada is also experiencing severe heat, and the overall pattern is linked to a persistent heat dome and broader climate change trends. Cooler conditions are expected early next week.

Extreme heat across the US East Coast is driving temperatures toward 38C, with heat index values potentially reaching 115F in major cities over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials warn of health risks as prolonged heat affects millions, prompting safety measures such as limiting attendance at Washington’s holiday concert rehearsal. President Donald Trump plans to deliver an outdoor speech despite the conditions. Canada is also experiencing severe heat, while a persistent high‑pressure heat dome and dry soils intensify temperatures. Cooler weather is expected early next week after possible thunderstorms on 4 July.

A strengthening heatwave across central and eastern regions of the United States and Canada is expected to create hazardous conditions during several World Cup last‑32 matches, with temperatures potentially exceeding 32C and humidity pushing the heat index above 40C. Air‑conditioned stadiums will mitigate risks for players and spectators, but travel to and from venues in Texas, Atlanta, New Jersey, Toronto, Miami and Kansas City may be uncomfortable. Some matches could reach heat‑stress thresholds defined by Fifpro, while thunderstorms later in the week pose additional risks that may lead to temporary match suspensions.