Parts of UK to get break in heatwave but dry spell to continue

Parts of the UK are experiencing a slight break in a prolonged heatwave as northerly winds bring cooler air. However, many southern regions are expected to remain dry and warm for at least another week.
Why it matters
Understanding weather patterns is critical for public health and infrastructure management during extreme heat events.
Image source, Getty Images By Sarah Keith-Lucas Lead Weather Presenter Published 13 minutes ago Cooler temperatures are on the way for some parts of the UK after a first half of summer dominated by warm, sunny and largely dry weather.
Parts of England have experienced more than two weeks of heatwave conditions, and some central areas have had the longest dry spell since 1997.
But the third heatwave of 2026 is now easing as northerly winds introduce some fresher air - although most places still won't have any significant rainfall.
The slightly cooler spell may be very brief for some parts of southern England and south Wales, where we could see heatwave criteria being reached again later this week.
Image caption, Cooler northerly winds will cause the biggest fall in temperatures near the east coast
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