UK weather forecast: How long will the latest heatwave last?

As an amber weather warning for “extreme heat” is in force for large parts of the UK there may be some respite with cooler weather and rain forecast in the coming weeks.

Temperatures are expected to hit 35C across the south east and the Midlands and the UK is on track to see its hottest summer since records began.

But by the weekend temperatures are forecast to drop back to about 27C.

The Met Office long range weather forecast suggests weather systems will move across the UK from the Atlantic from next week bringing rain to parts of the country.

Heavy rain will likely remain over high ground in the northwest and temperatures will probably sit slightly above normal.

Towards the end of August high pressure will return with drier conditions and warm temperatures. But rain is still possible in the north and there could be a risk of thunderstorms in the south of England, forecasters warn.

The start of September could see more high pressure, meaning more dry and hot spells across the UK and possible heatwaves in the south.

However, the Met Office has said some unsettled and changeable weather is likely, bringing showers and some longer spells of rain – but overall rainfall amounts are still expected to be below average.

It comes as some 71.3 per cent of England has been plunged into drought after a record dry July and a very dry start to August, putting immense pressure on water resources for homes and the environment.

August has so far seen just five per cent of the expected rainfall for the month.

In July, 19 counties across England recorded effectively no rainfall – 1mm or less – across the whole of the month, the Met Office figures show, causing river levels to fall and leaving ground dry and at risk of wildfires.

The summer of extreme weather has seen two record-breaking heatwaves, in May and June, which led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July which have fuelled drought and wildfires.

The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for much of England, covering parts of the south and east, as well as swathes of the Midlands.

The warning highlights likely health impacts from the heat, as well as potential water safety incidents, travel disruption and power cuts in some places.