UK weather: Heatwave conditions to return as temperatures to peak at 35C

The third heatwave of the year for much of England and Wales ended last weekend as cooler weather arrived, with maximum temperatures dropping largely to 20-24C.

However, two areas (Usk and Exeter) have since continued to reach heatwave criteria, reaching 20 consecutive days; This is the longest run so far this year.

As temperatures drop further over the weekend and parts of the UK see some rain, even these local heatwaves are likely to come to an end.

But this may only be a temporary break.

Next week, high pressure is expected to develop near the south of the UK, meaning the wet fronts will cease.

Wet weather looks set to remain confined to northern and western areas, particularly north-west Scotland, with temperatures likely to rise once again in southern parts of the UK.

This could mean a fourth heat wave is on the way; but isolated high temperatures may not be enough, according to the Met Office.

They say: “If only one or two stations reach heatwave criteria, it would not be defined as a heatwave.”