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It seems like London has only just recovered from the last stint of sweaty, sleepless nights with a fan blasting at full volume in our face, and here we are doing it all over again. Londoners are basking in another sweltering heatwave in July.
While temperatures haven’t reached the same highs as June’s heatwave – where a record of 37.7C was set in Norfolk – it’s still a scorcher. The Met Office warned that temperatures in London could rise to 34C. The good news is that the worst of the high temperatures is behind us. The less-good news is that the heat is set to drag on for another week.
Planning on soaking up the sun in one of London’s best parks? Dashing to Argos to nab a fan? Or laying low and making the most of the office air con? Whichever camp you’re in, you might be wondering how hot it’s going to get in London this week and when the heatwave might ebb. Here’s everything you need to know about the London heatwave for July 2026.
How hot will it get in London this week?
According to the Met Office, the peak temperature in London was 35C on Thursday July 9. It won’t get that hot again in this round of heat, though temperatures won’t start to properly cool until next week. Expect temperatures to remain in the late 20Cs and early 30Cs.
When will the July 2026 London heatwave end?
While hot weather is all well and good for a day or two, over longer periods it can get tiring and even dangerous. If you’re wondering when we might get respite from soaring temperatures, then we’ve got good news – an end is in sight.
Right now, forecasting models are currently predicting that hot weather will last until next Thursday (July 16) or Friday (July 17). Thunderstorms are set to break the heat on Thurs, though peak temperatures will remain around 27C. It’s not until Saturday (July 18) that peak temps will drop to 24C.
Is there a Met Office Heat Warning for London?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts in England covering London from 9am on Wednesday July 8 until 9pm on Sunday July 12.
In practice, this warning means that high temperatures were likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services including the increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life to the same group.
This is a step down from June’s heatwave, when amber and red heat-health alerts were issued and the Met Office even issued a rare red warning for extreme heat at the end of the month.
Keep up to date with London weather warnings on the Met Office website here.
How to stay cool in London during a heatwave
Staying cool in the capital is no easy feat – this city which just isn’t built for the heat. While 28C abroad feels easy, the same temperatures in the Big Smoke can be unbearable.
Luckily, London isn’t short on heatwave options, from leafy, shady parks to ponds and pools for a dip. Find Time Out’s ultimate guide to London’s best places to stay cool here, from ice rinks to air-conditioned museums.
Some of our favourite spots include the chilly Chislehurst Caves, air-conned Tate Britain and the draughty Tower of London.
🍦 Time Out’s guide to the best places in London for an ice cream.
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