The Met Office has provided Britons with an update about the chances of the UK experiencing 40C as the continent cooks in yet another heatwave.
Mercury is teetering towards the mid-40s across much of mainland Europe, with experts warning its 48.8C record could be broken.
The UK is expected to see temperatures soar in the next six weeks, with Britons having a scorcher over the summer holidays.
The Met Office is suggesting mercury will exceed seasonal averages to bring some much-needed warmth following an unsettled period.
People enjoy the warm weather on Hastings beach in East Sussex. Picture date: Sunday June 13, 2021.gbnewsThe UK's national weather service said: "By the middle of the month, more settled conditions are likely, causing the showery regime to be reduced.
"Temperatures are generally expected to be around average for the time of year, perhaps becoming a little warmer by the end of this period."
However, the chances of the UK witnessing temperatures similar to those in mainland Europe have been dashed after days of unsettled weather in July.
Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said there was “no forecast signal” for temperatures to reach as high as 40C.
Madge said: “There is no forecast signal for temperatures to reach last year’s threshold this year.
Sun-worshippers make the most of the current heatwave on Green Park in central LondonPA“The chance of reaching 40C is around one per cent, so it is unlikely in any given year, but of course, it remains feasible.”
Temperatures in the UK over the next week are not expected to rival those experienced in Europe.
London can look forward to mercury hovering around 20C, with the capital hitting 23C tomorrow.
Temperatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will fluctuate around the high-teens.
Spain and Greece have meanwhile suffered from wildfire outbreaks.
As many as 4,000 people were evacuated from La Palma.
Tourists listen to their guide as they gather under a shadow during a heatwave, in Ronda, Spain on July 17, 2023.Reuters/Jon NazcaThe UK’s mild week will in contrast coincide with some showers and cloudier conditions.
The Met Office’s forecast for Thursday said: “Early mist will clear to leave a bright start for many, but showers will develop through the day.
“Rather cool but feeling pleasant in sunny spells. Cloudier in northern Scotland.”
Looking ahead to later this week, the UK’s national weather service added: “Friday will be rather cool with sunny spells and showers.
“More persistent rain will arrive from the west later, giving a widely wet and windy weekend. Perhaps turning more humid.”
