Hot weather forecast as 39C heatwave scorches UK - full list of 15 hottest counties

A powerful summer heatwave is forecast to grip much of the UK in mid-August, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 39°C in some regions, according to the latest weather model. New forecasts from WX Charts show extreme heat across central and southern England by Wednesday, August 13, with large swathes of the country turning deep red on the map, indicating maximum temperatures approaching 40°C in places.

The Met Office outlook for August 12 to 26 suggests high pressure will dominate during the second half of the month, bringing mostly settled and dry weather, with above-average temperatures and only brief interruptions from potential showers or thunderstorms.

Based on projections, here are the 15 hottest counties:

Bedfordshire - 39°C

Hertfordshire - 39°C

Northamptonshire - 39°C

Cambridgeshire - 38°C

Oxfordshire - 38°C

Essex - 38°C

Berkshire - 38°C

Buckinghamshire - 38°C

Surrey - 38°C

London - 38°C

Kent - 38°C

Leicestershire - 38°C

Warwickshire - 37°C

Norfolk - 37°C

West Midlands - 37°C

These rising temperatures come as part of a broader trend of warmer summers across the UK, with this August shaping up to be one of the hottest in recent memory.

The extreme heat is expected to peak mid-month, particularly around August 13, when central and southeastern parts of England could see temperatures approaching 40°C.

Health experts are encouraging people to take the necessary precautions to stay cool and safe as the mercury rises.

With the heatwave set to intensify, and travel, work, and outdoor activities likely to be affected, the public is being urged to monitor weather alerts closely and prepare for high-impact conditions.