A potential heatwave could hit London in time for lockdown restrictions easing.

Forecasters are predicting warmer weather into July and early August, with temperatures warmer and drier than on average.                                                 This heatwave could tie in with the relaxation of rules on 'freedom day' – set to happen on July 19.

“Overall most areas should have a good deal of fine and dry weather,” the Met Office medium-range forecast states.

However, the forecast is not so positive for the southeast, with “heavy, even possibly thundery rain” predicted for Tuesday (13 July).

The Met Office long-range forecast, which covers Wednesday 14 Jul -Friday 23 July, states:  

“Generally a mixture of sunny spells and showers for a couple of days will follow this, though showers likely less frequent in comparison.”

“Most likely turning settled through the remainder of the period, but there is still the chance of a few showers developing during the day that can't be ruled out, especially in the southeast.

“Despite this, more dry weather than recently is expected, with variable cloud and sunny spells. The trend of temperatures being slightly above to above-average will continue.”

As the end of the month approaches and we move into August the weather sunny spells are set to remain in place.

The long-range forecast for Friday 23 Jul - Friday 6 Aug continues:

“For the rest of July and into early August, conditions are most likely to be warmer and drier than average. Some spells of unsettled weather are still possible, especially in the northwest of the UK, but overall most areas should have a good deal of fine and dry weather.

“There is a small chance of a few thunderstorms, especially across southern and eastern areas. Temperatures are likely to be above average, with the south possibly feeling very warm or hot at times.”