BBC Weather issues new heatwave verdict after Met Office 'rather warm' forecast

Forecasters at BBC Weather have explained whether we can expect another heatwave in the coming weeks.

The UK faced several heatwaves across this summer, which was the hottest on record in terms of mean average temperatures , but conditions have cooled off more recently.

We have also seen rain return last week, with more expected this week too. The consecutive heatwaves have plunged several parts of the country into drought, so the wet weather will be a welcome change for many.

BBC Weather says the next week or so should bring more “unsettled conditions”, with the position of the jet stream meaning low pressure systems are on the cards. We can expect “spells of rain and, potentially, some rather blustery winds”, the forecast states.

High pressure may have more influence later this month, “which would mean longer dry interludes and the chance of above-average daytime temperatures”.

However, the BBC adds: “While long-range forecasting is fraught with uncertainty and details are subject to change, there is currently nothing to indicate that a heatwave is on the cards.”

Moreover, the shift towards high pressure overhead could actually lead to “some rather chilly mornings”.

The Met Office declares an official heatwave when temperatures hit the ‘heatwave threshold’ three days in a row. The threshold stands at 28C in the south-east, where conditions tend to be warmer, and drops to 25C the further away from the south-east you go.

The Met Office says some “rather warm days” are on the cards later this month. However, nights might be “relatively cool”.

The Met Office forecast for September 18 to 27 states: “Remaining changeable, with occasional rain or showers arriving from the North Atlantic, most frequent across northern and western parts of the UK, where some strong winds will also be possible at times.

“However, there will also be some reasonably dry and more settled periods interspersed, especially across southern areas, with a chance these may extend to more of the UK later in the period.

“Temperatures for the period as a whole will probably be close to average overall, but there is scope for some rather warm days at times, along with occasional relatively cool nights giving the occasional grass frost.”