How does 2026 heatwave compare to record-breaking summer of 1976? [mq7zhSDJsdq]
A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of up to 40C in some parts of England and Wales in the middle part of the week, the Met Office has said. A Met Office red weather warning, which stretches from London across to Somerset and Swansea and up towards Birmingham, comes into force at 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday. Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: Find us on social: TikTok / Instagram / X (Twitter) / Facebook / Download the iOS & Android app: Sign up to our newsletters: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: