The Met Office has indicated that any September heatwave is unlikely to be prolonged, with the weather expected to remain "unsettled" after a week of thunderstorms and heavy rain across the UK.
Yellow weather warnings have been in force across the country, with the Met Office issuing an alert for thunderstorms and heavy rain. This follows one of the hottest summers on record in the UK, with temperatures exceeding 30C on several occasions.
Thunderstorm warnings have been in force over the last few days, and the wet weather is looking to continue into the bank holiday weekend. In its outlook for Saturday (August 29), the Met Office said: "A dry and bright start, but turning increasing cloudy from mid morning with outbreaks of rain reaching the region. Temperatures generally above average. Maximum temperature 20 °C."
Weekend and early September forecast
Looking ahead to Sunday (August 30) through to Tuesday (September 1), the forecaster added: "Unsettled throughout with showers, these locally heavy and with thundery. Staying warm to start with but turning fresher as winds shift to a westerly and strengthen from Monday."
The Met Office said the weather will remain "unsettled", with a mixture of rain, winds and some drier interludes.
September outlook
The forecast for September reads: "Likely remaining unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain across all areas at times. Rainfall amounts will probably be above average for the time year across many areas with the wettest conditions in the northwest."
"Potential for some strong winds at times. Some drier and more settled interludes could develop, perhaps becoming longer in duration across southern areas later in this period."
Temperatures will remain near average throughout the month, however some hotter conditions could be possible in southern areas. The UK forecaster said: "Some short-lived warm or very warm spells are possible, especially in the south."
