When will the heatwave end in the West Midlands and Shropshire?

The West Midlands and Shropshire are set to endure several more days of hot, dry weather, with temperatures reaching around 30C before a gradual cooldown arrives later this week.

The region is currently experiencing the UK's third heatwave of 2026, as Britain continues a year of extraordinary weather records. For the first time, the Met Office has recorded temperatures of 35C or higher in May, June and July during the same year.

While much of the country has baked in successive heatwaves, many people across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell, Telford and Shropshire are asking the same question – when will it finally end?

Hot weather to continue until the weekend

According to the Met Office, Tuesday and Wednesday will remain dry, sunny and very warm, with highs of 30C across much of the West Midlands.

Cloud will clear during the mornings before giving way to prolonged sunshine, while overnight temperatures will remain warm, particularly in built-up urban areas where lows may only fall to around 16C.

Thursday is expected to remain hot once again before temperatures begin to edge down slightly heading into the weekend.

Cooler air arrives - but don't expect a dramatic change

Although the intense heat will ease, the Met Office says there is no sharp end to the warm spell.

Its longer-range forecast from 18 to 27 July suggests high pressure will remain close to the UK, bringing continued settled weather.

For the West Midlands and Shropshire, that means:

• Temperatures becoming less extreme than recent days
• Plenty of dry weather continuing
• Conditions remaining above average for the time of year
• A slightly greater chance of showers or thunderstorms developing towards the end of July

Rather than plunging back to average summer temperatures immediately, highs are expected to settle into the mid-20Cs, still comfortably above normal for July.

Record-breaking year for UK heat

The latest spell continues an extraordinary year for UK weather.

June saw temperatures reach 37.7C, breaking the previous June record set during the famous heatwave of 1976.

The UK has also already experienced nine days reaching at least 34C during 2026 - more than any previous year, surpassing both 1976 and 2020.

The Met Office says 2026 is also the first year on record to see temperatures exceed 35C in May, June and July.

Heat health alerts remain in force

Amber and yellow heat-health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency remain in place until Wednesday evening.

Officials warn the prolonged hot weather could place additional pressure on health services and poses the greatest risk to older people, those with existing health conditions and vulnerable members of the community.

The dry conditions have also increased the risk of wildfires, with several major incidents declared across the UK in recent days.

So, when will the heatwave end?

For the West Midlands and Shropshire, the answer is not just yet.

The hottest temperatures are likely to ease from Friday into the weekend, but forecasts suggest the region will remain warm, dry and settled well into next week.

Instead of a dramatic return to cooler conditions, residents can expect a gradual transition from 30C heat to more comfortable mid-20C temperatures, with the possibility of some showers later in July if high pressure begins to weaken.

After one of the hottest starts to summer ever recorded, it appears the West Midlands and Shropshire will have to wait a little longer before any significant break from the heat arrives.