UK Heatwave: Greater Manchester to Sizzle Hotter than Tenerife as Temperatures Reach 32C

The United Kingdom is bracing itself for its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures in Greater Manchester expected to soar higher than the popular Spanish holiday hotspot of Tenerife. According to the Met Office, the highest temperatures are forecast to hit the country on Thursday and Friday, July 9 and 10, with widespread highs exceeding 30C across England and Wales.

The heatwave is expected to bring highs of 35C on Thursday and potentially 36C in some locations on Friday, with Saturday and Sunday seeing temperatures of 34C and 33C in southwest England, respectively. While the heat will be intense, the Met Office has stated that it will not feel as hot as the previous heatwave in late June due to lower humidity levels, which will allow some areas to cool more readily overnight.

Despite the relatively lower humidity, the Met Office has warned that some towns and cities may still experience very warm nights, making sleeping uncomfortable. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree noted that many people will want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last, stating that while temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.

High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, gradually migrating northwards and establishing an easterly wind in the south. This will shift the focus for the hottest conditions towards the southwest, with some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks beginning to cool. However, it will remain very warm, especially in the southwest, and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.

Greater Manchester, in particular, is forecast to reach highs of 29C on Thursday, rising to 32C on Friday, before dipping to 29C for two days on Saturday and Sunday, and then hitting 26C on Monday and 27C on Tuesday. This is significantly hotter than Tenerife, which is expected to peak at 27C on Thursday, 24C on Friday, 23C on Saturday, 22C on Sunday, and 23C on Monday and Tuesday. Manchester's extreme temperatures this week mean that the northern UK city will be a scorching 8C hotter than Tenerife on Friday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts due to the forecasted heat, indicating significant impacts are likely across the country. These alerts serve as a reminder for individuals to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Historically, the UK has experienced several notable heatwaves, including the 1976 drought and the 2018 summer heatwave, which saw temperatures soar to 35.3C in Faversham, Kent. This current heatwave serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather conditions and taking steps to mitigate its effects on health, infrastructure, and the environment.