UK weather forecast: Heatwave to continue into August as temperatures above 30C return over weekend

Britain to continue to swelter for weeks - although north may suffer cloud and showers

Britain’s record summer heatwave is expected to continue into August, while temperatures of above 30C are forecast to return this coming weekend.

The mercury is set to remain well above average – at least in the mid-20s – into the middle of next month, the Met Office said.

But while the south will see the best of the country's sunshine, the north can also prepare for plenty of blue skies and warm conditions.

Nicola Maxey, spokeswoman with the Met Office, said: “Temperatures are set to stay above average after the weekend – around the mid-20s – and that trend is likely to continue into the beginning of August and beyond.

“There will be something of a north-south split.

“In the north, it will remain pleasant but is more likely to be changeable with a greater chance of clouds and showers. But, in the south, the trend suggests it will remain more consistently sunny.”

If the forecast comes to fruition, it will continue what is already, by some measurements, Britain's longest heatwave since 1976.

Ahead of that, this weekend is set very hot again with temperatures forecast to potentially hit the high 20s across much of the country – and spike in the early 30s in parts of the south.

Ms Maxey said: “There may be isolated recordings of 31C and 32C in London and the south east but the rest of the country will also be in the high 20s by Saturday afternoon.”

Both Birmingham and Manchester could see temperatures of 28C, she added.

The week up until then is set to remain warm if occasionally cloudy, although things will become more variable on Wednesday and Thursday with a chance of showers in the north, north east and central Scotland in particular.

There is a small chance of thunder in the south east on Monday evening.