The UK is in its fifth heatwave of the year. Could there be a sixth?

• Provisional Met Office data indicates the UK is on track for its hottest summer on record after temperatures reached 38.1C in London on Thursday.
• The fifth heatwave of the year is expected to ease next week as temperatures drop closer to seasonal averages across the country.
• Prolonged dry weather has placed about 70 per cent of England and Wales in drought, leaving 27 million people under water-use restrictions.
• The Met Office forecasts potential rain for parts of the UK next week, though dry southern areas may see only light rainfall initially.
• High pressure could return towards the end of August, potentially bringing a sixth heatwave of the summer and further prolonged warm weather.

IN FULL

When will the UK heatwave finally end? Temperatures are forecast to plunge soon