The United Kingdom is anticipating its fourth heatwave of the summer, with forecasters warning that temperatures could climb as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Following a period of rain in the north and northwest, hot and dry conditions are expected to re-establish across much of England and eastern Wales. BBC forecasters predict that while most areas will experience temperatures between 25C and 32C (77F to 90F) for much of the week, the weekend could see highs reaching 30C to 35C (86F to 95F) in England.
This summer has already seen record-breaking heat, with June temperatures reaching a high of 37.7C (99.9F) recorded near Lingwood in Norfolk. A heatwave is officially defined as a period when temperatures exceed specific thresholds for three consecutive days.
The UK's third heatwave concluded last weekend in most regions when maximum temperatures fell below 24C (75F). However, specific locations like Usk in Monmouthshire and Exeter Airport in Devon have experienced temperatures exceeding heatwave thresholds for the past 20 days. Consequently, more than 20 million Britons are currently subject to a hosepipe ban.
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri indicated that while some areas, particularly in the north and west, might see rain and showers as weather fronts move southeast, many places are likely to receive minimal rainfall. "For much of southern England, dry conditions are expected to remain the dominant feature, with temperatures recovering quickly this week and the potential for very warm or locally hot weather to return," Suri stated.