The Met Office has issued its long-range UK forecast, outlining the prospects for warm weather as the country transitions into September from next week. Forecasters expect today (Monday) to be "another fine and dry day for many" across the nation, with skies becoming "hazy from the south during the afternoon".
Conditions are expected to remain warm, although winds will affect southern and western regions. Heading into this evening, things should stay largely dry and clear, although cloud cover is anticipated to build across the south, "bringing an increasing chance of showers by dawn, perhaps accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder".
Tuesday and midweek outlook
Tuesday, August 25, looks set to bring overcast skies to southern areas, with intermittent showers forecast, some of which could turn heavy and thundery from late afternoon onwards. Further north, the majority of locations should remain dry with hazy sunshine, though conditions will feel increasingly muggy.
Between Wednesday and Friday, August 26-28, the Met Office forecasts that low pressure pushing in from the south-west will usher in an unsettled spell, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms probable on each day. Humidity levels are set to climb, with temperatures remaining slightly above seasonal norms.
September prospects
Casting an eye further ahead towards September, Met Office forecasters anticipate conditions will "likely remain changeable" as the new month begins, with rainfall totals probably exceeding average for this time of year and the possibility of some notably strong winds on occasion. During the period leading up to Sunday, September 6, "some drier, more settled interludes could develop at times".
The Met Office forecast adds that "temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or hot spells are possible, especially in the south". Looking further ahead, the forecast covering Monday, September 7, through to Monday, September 21, suggests further hot spells may occur.
Long-range forecast
Forecasters have said: "Most likely a continuation of the generally unsettled conditions at first with showers or longer spells of rain across many areas, perhaps heavy and thundery in places. However, there may still be some drier interludes at times."
"Further into September, drier weather may become more prevalent, especially in the south and south east, with any more unsettled conditions tending to become more likely further north and north west."
"Temperatures will probably be near normal at first but may become warmer later, with the possibility of some hot spells in the south."
