A temporary break from intense heat is expected on Monday before temperatures rise across much of England and Wales, leading to the year's fifth heatwave. The week ahead is predicted to be mostly dry, with some areas of southern England experiencing nearly two months without significant rainfall.
The National Drought Group, comprising regulators, government officials, water companies, and agricultural bodies, will convene later on Monday. They will decide if more regions will be declared to be in drought. Currently, 23 million people are already affected by hosepipe bans, and river and reservoir levels continue to fall.
While Monday will offer some relief with maximum temperatures in northern UK areas between 18 to 24C and 22 to 27C further south, warmer air will return by Tuesday. Highs are expected to be around 27 to 30C. By Wednesday, temperatures across England and Wales are forecast to reach the high twenties and low thirties. The peak of the extreme heat is anticipated on Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C in south-east England and up to 35C across central and eastern England.