While wet weather is forecast for many this week, some long-range forecasts are suggesting further dry and sunny spells in September. This has led to speculation about the possibility of another heatwave, which would be the sixth of the year.
The Met Office's long-range forecast for September, October, and November suggests that the chance of a warm three-monthly period is "higher than normal". This brings an "increased risk of heatwaves and heat-related impacts, especially during the first half of the period".
Computer forecast models indicate that high pressure may become established to the south of the UK through the first part of September. This could lead to dry and mostly sunny weather and potentially draw warmth from continental Europe, boosting temperatures.
Factors such as dry soil, following July being the driest on record across England and Wales, and marine heat up to 3C above average around England and Wales, could contribute to hotter spells. The long-range forecast also suggests that the autumn period is likely to be drier than average.