Overview

• Forecasters say the incoming high-pressure system, positioned north of Scotland, is not expected to trigger another heatwave.
• The setup is diverting the jet stream, leaving most areas largely dry next week with only isolated showers in the southwest and no notable temperature surge.
• Met Office provisional figures show a June 1–August 17 UK mean of 16.2°C, which is 1.6°C above the long-term average.
• The UK has already experienced four heatwaves this summer, with a seasonal high of 35.8°C recorded.
• Scientists attribute the persistent warmth to dry spring soils, repeated high-pressure regimes and unusually warm surrounding seas, while noting some uncertainty with two weeks of summer remaining.