On June 1, forecasters issued a three-month summer forecast that suggested a higher than normal chance of hotter weather in June.
According to MeteoGroup, which currently provides data to BBC Weather, there could also be “a few notable spikes in high temperatures” this summer.
These seasonal forecasts have so far proven to be accurate.
For only the second time since their inception in 2021, the Met Office this week issued a red heat warning for south-east Wales and southern England.
Schools were closed and the transport network was overwhelmed as people tried to cope with the intense heat.
For the rest of the summer, which will last until the end of August, forecasters expect an “increased likelihood of heatwaves and heat-related impacts.”
They also say “above average temperatures” are expected in July and August, with “significant spikes” in the heat expected in the UK and across Europe.
According to the Met Office, the likelihood of hotter summers is now twice as high as in the period 1991-2020, consistent with our warming climate.