UK weather maps show exact date brutal 31C heat roasts England

If you've had enough of the recent rain and gloomy skies, there's some welcome news as warmer weather looks set to return to the UK. New weather maps indicate a surge in temperatures to kick off August, with some areas expected to see highs of 31. According to the latest data from WX Charts, highs of up to 31C and 30 C are forecast around London, the South East, and East of England including Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire by around 6pm on Tuesday, August 5.

This forecast is backed by Netweather, which also shows 31C readings from 3pm that day in London, Surrey, Kent, and Hampshire. Heat is also expected to extend west of Somerset, where temperatures could hit 30C during the afternoon.

The Met Office forecasts a higher chance of drier, sunnier conditions in southern and eastern parts of the UK between July 29 and August 7, with "temperatures expected to be near average, though warmer spells are likely".

The Met Office's long-range forecast for the period Tuesday, July 29 to Thursday, August 7, reads: "A weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely at first. This will likely bring rain and showers at times, interspersed with periods of more settled weather.

"The north and west will most likely be the focus of any wetter and windier weather, where there may be some prolonged spells of rain at times. The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected across southern and eastern parts of the country.

"Through the period, high pressure may start to have greater influence as it builds northeast across the country. This bringing more prolonged settled spells to many areas. Breeziest conditions across the north of the country. Temperatures generally near average, though with some warmer spells likely."

The Met Office also forecasts that, while westerly winds may bring some unsettled weather, more prolonged dry and sunny spells are expected to develop between August 8 and 22 particularly in the south, with a chance of very warm or even hot conditions, especially in the south and east.

The first half of summer brought warmth, sunshine, and three separate heatwaves, with temperatures peaking at 35.8C in Faversham, Kent on July 1.

However, in recent days, weather conditions have shifted dramatically, with the jet stream dipping south and bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash flooding, yellow warnings, and even a mini tornado in County Durham.