UK Summer's Last Gasp: 24C Heatwave Incoming

A final wave of summer warmth is anticipated across parts of the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching 24C within the next week. This shift follows a period of rain and autumnal weather after the hottest summer on record. Forecasters indicate that a 'heat dome' moving from North Africa will drive these warmer conditions.

Beginning Sunday, sunny spells and pleasant temperatures are expected, particularly in the southeast, where mercury will climb above 20C. Monday will see some cloud and scattered showers in northern areas, but southern England is forecast to remain warm and dry, reaching up to 23C.

Tuesday is set to be the warmest day, with highs of 24C forecast for London and the southeast, under dominant bright sunshine across the south and midlands. Sunshine will persist into Wednesday, though some cloud cover may move eastward. However, this summery interlude is expected to be temporary.

While the warmer air is drawn up from the continent and subtropical Atlantic, a colder front from the west may interrupt the warmth, though its timing is uncertain. Following this, the Met Office predicts a return to more changeable conditions with spells of rain and showers, and temperatures normalizing.