Is the UK exposed to a heat wave? The Met Office provides an update as temperatures continue to rise in Europe

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There are fewer chances for UK temperatures to hit 40C after days of unsettled weather in July, according to the Met Office’s latest forecast.

Met Office spokesman Graham Madge said there was no “forecast signal” for temperatures to reach 40C, although long-range forecasts showed some heat returning in August.

“There is no sign of a forecast for temperatures to reach the last-year threshold this year,” Madge said.

“The chance of it getting to 40°C is about one per cent, so it’s not likely in any given year, but of course, it’s still possible.”

The Met Office update comes as Europe is experiencing sweltering heat, with temperatures in the mid to late 40s in parts, prompting wildfires and health alerts.

On Tuesday, the forecaster expects the weather to be “mostly dry and warm feeling across the far south with some bouts of sunny weather.” However, there is still no respite from the rains in the northern region as it is expected to spread towards the northeast during the day, turning to heavy in some places.

The next few days are expected to remain cloudy although less rain is expected with early morning showers.

The month of July was expected to be hotter than usual in the UK amid worrying conditions globally as extreme heat caused by the climate crisis and the El Nino phenomenon swept many countries in the northern hemisphere.

The UK Met Office said the UK had earlier experienced its hottest June on record, as a result of “rear warming of the Earth’s atmosphere due to human-induced climate change”.

But since the beginning of July, unsettled conditions have dominated the UK, bringing rain, storms and thunderstorms and keeping the mercury low, in stark contrast to Europe.

The Met Office said the Atlantic low pressure system was bringing “unusually” strong winds, and heavy rain or rain to many places across the UK over the coming days, which should keep temperatures low.

“This is an unusual time of year for such strong winds, and with so many people on holiday or planning outdoor activities, they have the potential to cause some disruption,” said Bureau of Meteorology chief meteorologist Andy Page.

In addition, heavy rains and thunderstorms may lead to standing water and spray on the roads, and thus difficult driving conditions. Winds are expected to subside during the evening.

“Temperatures are expected to remain close to average or rather cool during the coming days, especially in rain and wind.”

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