The fifth heatwave of the summer will hit London this week – here’s when 36C will hit (and when it will next rain)

The hot weather has been relentless this summer. For the last few months, London has been baking in highs well above 30C and our parks and green spaces have totally dried out (the capital is also under a hosepipe ban). And just when you though you could retire your fan and put on a pair of full-length jeans, along comes yet another heatwave.

This week, London is getting its fifth heatwave of the summer. For the next five days, temperatures in the city will soar to nearly 40C. So, you might want to book a spot at your closest lido, take the opportunity to spend a day inside one of our free air-conditioned museums or use it as an excuse to fill up on ice cream.

With another scorcher of a week looming and a weather warning in place, here’s what you need to know. 

London heatwave dates

Forecasters say that the fifth heatwave of the summer began on August 9 and will continue until August 15. 

When will it be the hottest? 

At the moment it looks like the hottest day of this current heatwave will be Thursday August 13. 

What will be the peak temperature?

On Thursday, both the Met Office and BBC Weather predict that the temperature in London will reach 34C. However, forecasters told the Guardian that temperatures could rise to 36C.

Are there weather warnings?

A yellow heat health alert (meaning a risk to vulnerable people) is in force until 9pm on August 11. However, expect this to be extended or escalated if the heat continues.

When will it rain?

The only rain we’ll see over the next couple of weeks will be on Thursday August 20, according to BBC Weather. Even then, that forecast is likely to change between now and next week.

Stay cool: These are the 17 best places in London to escape the heat. 

Plus: Read Time Out’s guide to seeing the solar eclipse in London this week. 

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