Does the September weather forecast suggest another UK heatwave?

Computer forecast models are suggesting that high pressure may become established to the south of the UK through the first part of September.

High pressure leads to dry and mostly sunny weather at this time of year.

It may also draw up some warmth from continental Europe, boosting temperatures and the possibility of a hotter spell.

July was the driest on record across England and Wales with more than two thirds of England and all of Wales currently in drought.

When soil is very dry, air temperature can rise more rapidly that it does when soil is wetter. This is because no energy is lost in evaporating any soil moisture so it goes directly into heating the air.

While there is rain this week, it will not be enough to fully saturate the soil and make a difference to the drought situation.

Marine heat can also influence the temperature on land. The seas around England and Wales are currently up to 3C above average.

This extra warmth from the sea can also keep the temperature higher on land.

All the factors above can load the dice for hotter spells to affect the UK.