UK Weather: Heat wave conditions such as temperatures at 35C

The third heat wave of the year for much of England and Wales ended last weekend when cooler air arrived, with maximum temperatures dropping to 20-24C.

However, two places – Usk and Exeter – have continued to meet their heatwave standards since then and have now reached 20 days in a row – the longest such run of the year.

As temperatures cool over the weekend and parts of the UK see some rain, even these local heatwaves may end.

However, it can only be a temporary break.

Next week, high pressure is set to build near the south of the UK, meaning rain-carrying weather fronts will set in.

Any wet weather in northern and western areas – particularly north-west Scotland – and southern parts of the UK looks set to see temperatures rise again.

This could mean a fourth heat wave is on the cards – although according to the Met Office, a particularly high temperature may not be enough.

They say: “If only one or two stations met the criteria for a heat wave, that would not be defined as heat.”