Heatwave conditions to return for many as UK temperatures to peak at 35C

- Published

Heat is set to intensify and become more widespread across England and parts of Wales next week with temperatures surging as high as 35C (95F).

Following much-needed rain in the north and north-west of the UK this weekend, temperatures will rise back to heatwave threshold levels in many locations.

For some, the new week may mark the start of the fourth heatwave of the year.

However a few locations are still experiencing their third with temperatures at Usk, Monmouthshire and Exeter, Devon reaching heatwave thresholds for the 20th consecutive day on Friday.

When is a heatwave declared and how many has the UK had?

Heatwaves are declared when temperatures reach or exceed a threshold temperature for three consecutive days.

This varies from 25C across the north and west of the UK to 28C in parts of eastern England.

These thresholds were widely met in late May, June and again in July - meaning we have had three heatwaves so far.

For most of England and Wales the third heatwave of the year ended last weekend when cooler air arrived, dropping maximum temperatures widely to 20-24C.

However, two locations - Usk and Exeter - have continued to just reach their heatwave criteria since then and have now reached 20 consecutive days - the longest run so far this year.

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

However, it may only be a temporary break.

Next week, high pressure is set to build close to the south of the UK meaning rain-bearing weather fronts will stall.

Any wet weather will become confined to northern and western areas - especially north-west Scotland - and in southern parts of the UK temperatures look set to climb once again.

This could well mean a fourth heatwave is on the cards - although according to the Met Office isolated high temperatures might not be enough.

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

Will there be another heatwave?

For much of next week temperatures in England and Wales will peak around 25-32C.

The hottest weather will initially focus itself on central and eastern England by Tuesday before spreading northwards and westwards.

Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain cooler with temperatures generally in the high teens or low to mid-twenties.

Some computer models suggest an even more intense surge of heat could arrive next weekend.

East Wales and most of England could easily see temperatures between 30-35C, increasing the chance that a fourth heatwave could be declared.

It will also become warmer in Scotland and Northern Ireland with temperatures reaching the mid to high twenties.

You can check the latest forecast for your area on the BBC Weather website and app.