The UK has already experienced three separate heatwaves this year, leaving many areas parched and brown.
According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast, temperatures are expected to be ‘near or above normal’ between July 25 and August 3.
Towards the beginning of next month, parts of the UK could start to see warmer temperatures, which may potentially continue into August.
Further into August, temperatures are ‘very likely [to] remain above normal, with potential for further hot spells, particularly in the south’.
While there is no current forecast for another widespread heatwave, there is still time for this to change before the summer is over.
A heatwave is typically defined as an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year.
This can only be declared if specific criteria are met, including daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a certain temperature threshold for three days in a row.
The threshold varies depending on the location, with 28C being the threshold in London and surrounding counties, and 25C in Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Climate change is believed to be a major contributor to the increase in heatwaves, making them more frequent and severe.
Earlier this year, record-breaking heatwaves led to 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales, and thousands more people died as a result of excess heat across Europe.
Meteorologists warn that the UK can expect more heatwaves in the future, with temperatures likely to remain above normal for the remainder of the summer.
