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London is facing a weeks-long drought as the July heatwave continues.
Temperatures are predicted to top the 28C heatwave threshold for a 12th consecutive on Thursday.
High temperatures are also expected on Friday before the heat eases over the weekend.
However, it looks a drop in temperatures will be followed by a fourth heatwave of the year next week as high pressure pulls in hot air over the UK.
There is almost no rain predicted in medium-term forecasts for London - which will raise fears of a hosepipe ban in the capital and more wildfires.
Follow the latest updates below.
Live updates
When is it too hot to work?
Over in Italy, Deliveroo drivers are calling for better working conditions as the country tackles highs of 40C in some cities.
Elsewhere in France, teachers’ unions are urging members to exercise their right to strike because of conditions in classrooms.
In the UK, there have been several campaigns to halt working in unreasonable conditions amid the heatwave and to improve working conditions for people like bus drivers.
There is not currently a legally binding maximum working temperature, but a petition has now been launched to start one.
Everything you need to know about working in the heat can be found here:
What temperature is too hot to work under UK law?
Will you still have to brave the Tube as the Met Office issues red weather warning ahead of the heatwave
When will it rain in London?
The capital is facing its longest dry spell in as many as 30 years.
The heat and sunshine have been incessant since June 27, with not a droplet of rain in sight.
The hot and dry weather has proved problematic for the capital, prompting wildfires and hosepipe bans as water companies cling on to resources.
So, it’s unsurprising the question on everyone’s lips is: When is it going to rain?
You can read the full story here:
When will it rain again in London? Capital facing longest dry spell in years
After nine days of heatwave conditions in London, is there any sign of a change in the weather?
Heatwaves killed 1,000 in London and South East
Heatwaves have killed hundreds of Londoners, according to new research.
Experts at Imperial College London, the Met Office, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) estimated there were 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales over the May and June heatwaves.
In the capital, the heatwave death toll was 109 in May and 344 in June, according to the study which stressed that in both months “warming was strongest in the urban heat island of Greater London”.
It comes as temperatures hit a new record high in May.
You can read the full story here:
Shocking death toll from heatwaves in London is revealed
‘We now live in a country with dangerously hot summers,’ says Dr Clair Barnes, from Imperial College London
The best places to swim in London
Temperatures in London might be dropping off this weekend to a pleasant 25C, but that’s not too cold to swim.
There’s plenty of places where you can cool off, take a dip, or have a paddle.
Just remember not to swim in Hampstead Heath’s wildlife ponds...
The best lidos and outdoor swimming pools in London
Here are the best outdoor swimming spots to cool off at during the hot weather
Heatwave in pictures
The heatwave looks to be on its way out with pleasant and balmy weather promised for the next few days.
In case you forget what it’s like to survive in sweltering 30C heat, we’ve taken a look at the heatwave in pictures.
A woman relaxes in Greenwich Park on July 10 in London amid the UK’s third heatwaveGetty
A person shields their face from the heat of the sun with a fan in central LondonAFP/Getty
A bead of sweat trickles down the face of a sentry of the Life Guards, a unit of the Household CavalryAFP/Getty
Greenwich Park on July 10, 2026GettyWeather for the World Cup final
The World Cup final will sadly not be featuring Thomas Tuchel’s side as they lost out to Argentina on Wednesday evening.
But for those supporters still heading out to watch the final, the forecast doesn’t look too shabby.
Saturday will be around 25C with cloud according to BBC Weather, while Sunday will drop off to 24C with plenty of sunshine.
The mercury will begin to rise again by Monday into next week.
Can you barbecue in London parks?
Nothing quite beats a cold beer and a barbecue. But Londoners will be restricted to firing up the grill in their homes as strict rules prevent people from barbecuing in London’s parks.
The London Fire Brigade has issued warnings about barbecuing in open spaces amid drought conditions and has even issued warnings about using barbecues at homes.
Barbecues are banned in virtually all parks - even ones in the borough of Camden where it was previously permitted. There are a handful where you can still cook in designated areas.
Check out where you can cook outdoors below:
Are you allowed to have barbecues in London's parks?
There are strict rules around barbecuing in parks to prevent grass fires with it banned in the overwhelming majority. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is it too hot to work?
Over in Italy, Deliveroo drivers are calling for better working conditions as the country tackles highs of 40C in some cities.
Elsewhere in France, teachers’ unions are urging members to exercise their right to strike because of conditions in classrooms.
In the UK, there have been several campaigns to halt working in unreasonable conditions amid the heatwave and to improve working conditions for people like bus drivers.
There is not currently a legally binding maximum working temperature, but a petition has now been launched to start one.
Everything you need to know about working in the heat can be found here:
What temperature is too hot to work under UK law?
Will you still have to brave the Tube as the Met Office issues red weather warning ahead of the heatwave
Hotter than 1976
Britain officially broke the record set in 1976 for the year with the most 30C days on Wednesday.
The Met Office said that there have now been 24 days in 2026 when 30C has been exceeded somewhere in the UK.
That matches the number of 30C-plus days in the summer of 1976.
But which one was worse?
Nick Curtis weighs in on which summer takes the crown:
Think this heatwave is bad? It's got nothing on the summer of 1976
London’s boiling over — and not for the first time. But how do this year’s heatwaves compare to what Britain went through in the 1970s?
What happens if you use your hosepipe during a ban?
Hosepipe bans - or Temporary Use Bans as they’re known - are introduced by water companies during periods of high demand or low supply.
It’s little surprise that several water companies, including Affinity Water, Anglian Water, and Southern Water, have announced bans as a third heatwave sweeps over the UK.
If you’re found to be using your hosepipe to water plants or fill up paddling pools, you could be fined up to £1,000.
But how is the rule enforced? Funnily enough, it relies on snitching and snooping neighbours. Fines are really a last resort, with everyone encouraged to play their part to conserve water.
Though it’s worth remembering that if you’re looking to report someone, you should do so via your water company and not the police.
Play your part and ensure you know the rules by checking our interactive map below:
Is there a hosepipe ban in my area? Map shows restrictions closing in on London
Several water companies have issued bans for millions, including a number of Londoners
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