The UK recorded its highest temperature on record, exceeding 40C, amid the heatwave this week.
Heathrow hit 40.2C at 12.50pm on Tuesday, according to provisional Met Office figures. Parts of England and Wales are now under a red warning for extreme heat, posing a danger to life, pressure on the NHS and disruption across transport networks.
Could there be another heatwave around the corner? Here’s what you need to know.
Will there be another heatwave in August?
Chief Met Office meteorologist Paul Davies said on Tuesday that temperatures will ease from next Wednesday onwards, however, he warned that another heatwave later in the summer couldn’t be ruled out.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Davies said: “When we look to the future in terms of the next week, there is an easier time because in fact, the temperatures start to ease back to what we describe as slightly above normal from about Wednesday onwards.
“But as we move into all this, you just can’t rule out another plume.”
Mr Davies added that holiday-goers should check the weather overseas, as heat is likely to be “sustainable” and “pretty intense” over the course of the coming month.
What has the Met Office forecasted?
The long-range weather forecast for the rest of July and August is:
Sunday 24 Jul - Tuesday 2 Aug
The beginning of the period may bring rain for the northwest however this is expected to clear through Sunday evening and Monday morning.
For the rest of the country, it will remain mainly dry on Sunday.
The rain in the northwest is likely to move southeast into northern England and the Midlands through Monday but easing as it does so.
Early next week there is a risk of thunderstorms in the southeast, whilst it may become drier in the west.
For the later part of the period, more settled conditions are likely to return for many, a few showers are still likely.
Temperatures are likely above average through the period, especially in the southeast where it may be very warm at times.
Wednesday 3 Aug - Wednesday 17 Aug
Into the beginning of August confidence is low, with more changeable conditions possible, but still a lot of dry weather at times.
Temperatures are expected to be slightly above average, however, nothing exceptional for the time of year.
