Weather forecasters have backed down with their predictions of extreme heatwaves that would have seen temperatures soaring above 40C in parts of England around mid-July.
The models had initially suggested "monster heatwaves" with widespread temperatures in the low 40C across France and potentially touching 40C in England.
However, these forecasts have now been significantly revised downward.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to be approximately five to 10C lower than the figures originally predicted.
Temperatures were initially expected to reach the low 40C, but have since been rescinded
PA
Netweather meteorologist Ian Simpson wrote on the weather forecasting website: "High pressure will build into western Europe, often extending into the south and east of Britain, but with low pressure often close to the north and west of both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"It is not currently forecast to get exceptionally hot, with maximum temperatures mostly rising into the mid to high 20s Celsius through next Thursday and Friday over a larger part of England.
"But hotter weather is forecast to establish again over more southern parts of western Europe, with temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius in France.
"This will leave Britain quite prone to the occasional burst of notable heat, especially in the east of England, during the second half of July, should we pick up a southerly flow pulling this hot air in from France at some stage.
"The forecast models have, however, currently backed down from predictions of monster heatwaves with temperatures widely into the low 40s Celsius in France and touching 40C in parts of England around 12-15 July.
"Temperatures in these regions, while still hot by most standards, are now generally forecast to be around 5-10C lower than those figures.
"It now looks probable that any really exceptional heat will not set in until later in the month."
June 2025 recorded a central England temperature of 17C, matching the hottest Junes since 1846.
The region saw remarkable warmth, with many sites recording daytime temperatures 4-5C above the 1991-2020 average and night-time temperatures around 3C higher than normal.
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NETWEATHER
Some areas in the Midlands and northern England experienced tropical nights, with temperatures failing to drop below 20C on 27-28 June.
This prolonged dry spell, which began in February or March across much of eastern England and western Europe, has left the ground dry and particularly susceptible to substantial heatwaves.
Cooler air from the northwest is expected to spread across Britain in the coming days, bringing relief from the recent warmth.
By mid-week, however, the northwesterly flow will weaken.
Initial models suggested a 'monster heatwave' would hit the UK
METDESK
High pressure will be seen across western Europe, often extending into southern and eastern Britain, whilst low pressure remains near Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Thursday and Friday will see temperatures climbing into the mid-to-high 20C across much of England.
This hot air mass positioned over France leaves Britain vulnerable to occasional surges of notable warmth, particularly in eastern England.
The likelihood of Britain experiencing 40C temperatures this year remains low, but temperatures in the mid-30C are quite likely at some point this summer.
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