Another heatwave could potentially hit the UK in a matter of weeks, a long-range forecast has predicted.

It comes after London was struck by thunder, lightning and heavy rain last week.

Experts at the Met Office have now issued their outlook for the rest of August.

The forecasters said there is a chance that southern areas of the UK could see "very warm conditions", with a low risk of thunder in the South East.

While the beginning of the month is looking unpredictable and changeable, with dry spells possible in-between showers, the second half of the month is looking much drier.

According to the BBC’s monthly outlook, high pressure from the Mediterranean Sea should push storms northward and drier weather should “spread in from the south”, bringing with it a tropical air mass.

The change in weather mid-August may be gradual, the BBC said, taking days or potentially a week to appear.

Then, temperatures should be slightly warmer than normal but a second heatwave is dependent on the right conditions.

News Shopper: People enjoy the sun in Greenwich. Picture: PAPeople enjoy the sun in Greenwich. Picture: PA

The BBC said: “Temperatures should trend warmer than normal into late August, with some warm days possible if high pressure moves overhead for too long.

"If the high does linger overhead, a heatwave may develop, but confidence is low on this.

“Chances for heat increase later in the month, but high pressure will need to move into the correct spot for this to pan out.”

London & South East England weather forecast

Tuesday 3 Aug - Saturday 7 Aug

Wednesday:

Another fine and mostly sunny start. Sunny spells and scattered showers developing late morning onwards, some heavy and locally thundery by the afternoon. Light winds. Maximum temperature 23C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Sunny spells and showers each day with a risk of thundery downpours each afternoon, perhaps with a longer period of rain Thursday. Becoming breezier. Temperatures near normal or rather cool.

UK long range weather forecast

Sunday 8 Aug - Tuesday 17 Aug

Sunny spells and showers for many areas at the start of this period, with most frequent showers probably in the north and west. By the middle of next week there is an increasing likelihood of thicker cloud bringing rain to northwestern areas, together with stronger winds.

These more unsettled conditions are likely to spread southeastwards through the latter part of next week.

Beyond this it is likely to remain changeable; confidence is low in terms of detail, but most places will likely see showers or longer spells of rain, interspersed with some drier, more settled periods. Some strong winds are possible at times, especially in the northwest. Temperatures are most likely to be around average, perhaps warm in the east and southeast.

Wednesday 18 Aug - Wednesday 1 Sep

Although confidence is very low through this period, a continuation of changeable conditions is most likely. Some more settled weather may develop, particularly towards the north and northeast of the UK.

Temperatures are likely to be above average, with the potential for hotter weather later in the month with rainfall most likely below average.

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