Late summer heatwave could hit the county, says the Met Office

THERE is an increasing chance of a late summer heatwave across the region, according to the latest Met Office long-range weather forecast.

The forecaster, looking as far in advance as around four weeks, has suggested there could be ‘above average’ temperatures later in the month.

Conditions are expected to remain mostly dry with a few sunny spells throughout the week but from Friday could turn cloudy with the possibility of some rainfall.

The Met Office posted: ‘During late August, similar conditions look likely but there is a greater chance of winds from a southerly sector allowing for the possibility of some very warm spells.

‘This may also bring the chance of intermittent heavy rain and thundery showers.’

For the period between August 30 and September 13, the Met Office says ‘there is an increased chance of warmer than average conditions’ in late August.

The forecast added: ‘Through late August there is an increased chance of warmer than average conditions. This may bring the risk of thundery showers and longer spells of rain at times. Into early September confidence is very low but a northwest to southeast split is most likely.

‘The northwest may experience more unsettled conditions and at times showers to longer spells of rain may spread southeast to other areas. ‘Temperatures fluctuating around average. Any more prolonged and drier weather would be most likely in the southeast where there is a greater chance of warm spells.’