An intense September heatwave has been forecast across Europe, as a heat dome is set to send temperatures soaring.
BBC forecasters say temperatures could hit the high 30C and even 40C in some parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean in early September.
Warm weather is being pushed up towards France, Spain and Italy from North Africa, with high-pressure creating a heat dome.
Where will the EU heat dome hit?
A heat dome develops when a large area of high pressure becomes established over a region and remains there for an extended period, according to the Met Office.
Under high pressure, air sinks through the atmosphere. As it sinks, it becomes compressed and warms. At the same time, cloud formation is suppressed, allowing strong sunshine to reach the ground.
A heat dome has been developing over Europe and is set to bring a hot start to September across France, Spain, Italy and the Balkan region.
In the coming week, Spain and Italy will see temperatures between 38C and 42C in low-lying valleys and coastal areas.
Forecasters suggest the heatwave will be long-lived in southern Europe.
The Spanish and French Weather Services are warning of the increased risk of wildfires as the landscape is still parched from the dry and hot conditions of the summer.
Will the UK see another heatwave?
Hotter and sunnier weather was forecast for the weekend with highs of 26C in London on Sunday.
However, unlike the heat dome in southern Europe, it won’t last, with temperatures forecast to cool early this week.
From Tuesday, temperatures across Europe are expected to decrease as well. For the UK, changeable weather with rain and showers forecast, as well as some sunshine.
According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast, the period spanning Friday 11 September and Sunday 20 September will be “changeable initially, with some dry interludes and relatively cool nights, interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers arriving from the west, perhaps accompanied by some strong winds at times too.”
It adds: “A trend toward some longer dry interludes between systems as we head toward mid-September, but at this stage a return of prolonged dry, settled weather looks unlikely. Temperatures will probably be close to average overall, though still with some relatively cool nights at times.”
Met Office’s UK five-day weather forecast
Southern and central areas will be largely dry and bright today. Turning more unsettled in the north with blustery rain and gales in places. Feeling warm in the south in the sunny spells, fresher in the north.
A band of rain moves south across England and Wales tonight, turning heavy at times. Blustery showers in the north with strong winds.
Heavy rain slowly clearing the southeast in the morning. A brighter day for many and feeling fresh. Winds gradually easing in the north, with showers too.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Drier and brighter on Wednesday with spells of sunshine. Another band of rain then moves in for Thursday, before drier and brighter weather returns on Friday. Temperatures likely around average.