The Met Office has issued a warning that the UK is bracing itself for an unsettled spell of mixed weather, with forecasters predicting temperatures to remain around or slightly above average. But despite some pockets of warmer weather, widespread, prolonged heatwaves similar to those experienced in previous summers are no longer on the cards.
For late July and early August, a mix of sunshine and showers is expected across much of the country, with regional variations set to become increasingly noticeable. Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are likely to experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall, with strong winds reaching speeds of 30-40 mph in exposed coastal areas.
Meanwhile, parts of Southern England and Wales may see slightly warmer and drier conditions at times, although these will be interspersed with cloud and showers. Daily maximum temperatures across the UK are predicted to range between 18°C and 23°C, with higher values possible during brief sunny spells in the south.
The Met Office advises the public to remain prepared for varied conditions, including localised heavy downpours that could lead to surface water flooding in susceptible areas. Even during unsettled periods, the sun's strength remains considerable, and UV levels can still be moderate to high.
Looking further ahead into mid-August, there is a slight increase in the chance of more settled conditions developing, potentially bringing some warmer and drier spells for the southern half of the UK. However, confidence in this longer-range outlook remains lower, and the overall message for the immediate future is one of variability rather than consistent heat.