Weather maps indicate that large parts of the UK could experience one final heatwave this year, with temperatures potentially reaching 27C across 16 areas. The warm spell is expected within 10 days, significantly above the average for September.
Hottest day expected on September 24
The hottest weather is anticipated on September 24, when southern and central England could see temperatures rise to 27C. Along the south coast, temperatures may reach 26C from Brighton to Portsmouth, while Cornwall stays cooler at around 21C. Further north, Cumbria could also see temperatures near 21C.
Wales may see temperatures around 22-23C, while Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to experience highs in the late teens. The warmth could last several days, potentially meeting the official heatwave criteria in multiple areas, which would make it the sixth heatwave of the year.
Met Office forecast differs
The Met Office's long-range forecast for September 19-28 presents a different picture, indicating unsettled conditions with intermittent rain or showers from the North Atlantic, most frequent in northern and western regions, with strong winds at times. It noted there will be some reasonably dry and more settled periods, especially across southern areas.
The forecast added: "There is a chance settled weather may expand further northwards during the final week of September. Temperatures for the period as a whole will probably be close to average overall, but there is scope for some rather warm days at times, as well as relatively cool nights which may bring the occasional grass frost."
Counties expected to reach 27C
The 16 counties forecast to hit 27C are Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Greater London, Wiltshire, Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, and Somerset.
