A gradual return to a traditional August ... and rain
OUR second heatwave of this recordbreaking summer has left most of the country hankering after a more traditional British August, with rain and cloud mixed in with the sun.
And in the week ahead, there is a decent chance that such wishes may come true as the dominant easterly breeze that has been sweeping in warm air from the continent is gradually replaced by a cool, rainbearing westerly wind off the Atlantic.
Today will see a gentle rolling back from the exceptionally high temperatures that were experienced yesterday in southern England. But it will not be a dramatic change. Instead of 37C (98.6F) in the London area, the mercury will rise to 34C (93F).
Across the southern half of England, the low pressure pushing away the high pressure that has been generating scorching conditions will bring more cloud and the introduction of moist, humid air. That may lead to some showers and even thundery outbreaks.
Today it will remain mostly dry, and very warm, with 33C (91F) in Cardiff, 32C (90F) in East Anglia and 30C (86F) in Liverpool. Further north, where rain has been more plentiful, especially in north-west Scotland, visitors to the Edinburgh Festival will enjoy temperatures of 25C (77F).
That low pressure will mean cooler conditions, but until Wednesday the threat of thunder and heavy downpours remains. Falling on dry and hard ground, these may run off and create a flood risk.
Towards the end of the week, that westerly wind should become more noticeable, turning to a north-westerly and introducing colder air. By the end of the week, temperatures could be no more than 23C (73F).