BBC weather expert delivers verdict on 29C UK heatwave - two things need to happen

Britain has been hit by an "unusual number" of chilly days and torrential rain this June, with a notable lack of summer heat sticking around. However, a BBC weather expert has revealed that the dreary summer weather could change in the coming days.

In a welcome boost to many Britons, Matt Taylor said that "there’s more optimism to be had over what is coming our way" when looking at the forecasts. The BBC meteorologist said that day and night temperatures have been 3C below average this June, with some areas reporting morning frost and an "unusual chill".

It was reported earlier this week that the UK is on the brink of its first 29C heatwave of the year. According to weather maps on WXCharts, a North African plume could sweep across the UK before the month ends. London is expected to experience temperatures as high as 29C while up north, in Manchester and Leeds, locals are expected to experience temperatures of around 26C.

Mr Taylor told the BBC that two big factors could be decisive as to whether Britain basks in summer heatwaves.

He singled out a high-pressure building on the US east coast, which would "finally" send the jet stream to the north of the UK later this week.

If the jet stream moves north, the UK could welcome more south-easterly winds from Europe, which has been baking in record-breaking weather this month. The jet stream shift would also give the UK some respite from the torrential downpours.

Mr Taylor said that the major reason Britain has struggled for summer warmth is because the country has had either an area of low pressure over it, or winds being dragged down from the Arctic.

The BBC meteorologist said that if there is "a stronger build of high pressure and possible south-easterly wind" then UK temperatures could "climb into mid- to high 20s for some".

He pinpointed Thursday as the day when the weather may change for some areas.

This Thursday's forecast temperatures are at or slightly above average for mid-June.

The Met Office is forecasting a dry day for most on the longest day of the year, reaching up to 21C and "feeling warm where you catch the sunshine".

This comes as the rest of Europe suffers under scorching heatwaves. Greece recorded its earliest-ever heatwave last week, with temperatures peaking at almost 45C on Thursday.

Authorities had to close the Acropolis while several tourists have died or gone missing on Greek islands while venturing on hikes in high temperatures.

Europe is set to experience hotter-than-average temperatures in the second half of the summer, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service's (C3S) forecast covering July to September.

Met Office five-day forecast

Today:

Dry with sunny spells for many. Light showers across much of Scotland. Showers turning heavy and thundery across much of central and northern England. Winds light and feeling pleasant in the sunshine. A little rain possible in the far southeast.

Tonight:

Showers across Scotland and central England gradually fade, turning dry. Cloudy in most places, staying mild but turning chillier under clear skies for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Wednesday:

Cloudy to start the day in the east and south with the odd light showers. Breezy across northern Scotland but elsewhere dry with sunny spells where it will feel warm.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Largely dry with sunny spells for most, although a few showers possible. Some rain in the north on Friday. Feeling warmer in the sunshine with light winds.