Met Office reveals when 'hot' weather could return with 2 regions in firing line

The Met Office has revealed when warm conditions could return to the UK, as maps show large areas of the country could soon swelter in 31C heat.

Forecasters have said westerly winds and showers will dominate the end of July, but things are set to change in August. As we get into next month, temperatures could be near or above average, the Met Office said, with some "very warm or hot spells" developing. The national forecaster said these spells are especially likely in the "south and east".

Currently, weather maps show temperatures rising in England and Wales at the start of next month - with highs of 31C possible in southern and south-eastern England on August 6. Warm conditions could also return later in the month, according to the Met Office.

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The Met Office's long-range weather forecast from August 6 to August 20 states: "A changeable westerly pattern will likely continue through into the start of August, with spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days. There are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into August.

"Temperatures will likely continue to be near or above average overall. There is a chance of some very warm or hot spells developing later in August if high pressure wins out for a decent stretch of time, especially in the south and east."

According to the latest WXCharts maps, hot air will start moving from southwestern Europe starting from August 1, with cities including Birmingham, Gloucester and Reading likely to experience an unusually warm start to the month. London, Southampton and Brighton are also set to feel the heat from the Iberian plume, potentially marking the fourth heatwave of the year in the UK.

The sweltering conditions look set to persist into the early days of August, with forecasts predicting highs of 30C across southern England on August 3. But before the next hot spell arrives, more cool conditions are expected.

The Met Office's long-range forecast from July 27 to August 5 states: "A weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely at first. While showers or longer spells of rain will remain possible for all parts early in the period, the focus of wet weather will likely increasingly be focussed across the west and northwest, especially over hills where rain could be prolonged.

"The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected to the east of hills, and across south and eastern areas. Later in the period if high pressure builds into the southwest settled weather may develop there too. It will be breezy at times, especially in further north. Temperatures are most likely to be near to average or slightly above average for the time of year."