UK weather maps turn orange as exact date of next 77F 'mini heatwave' revealed

UK weather maps are set to turn dark orange later this month - as the date of a possible 'mini-heatwave' is revealed.

Maps on WX Charts predict temperatures will hit the mid-20s for many areas of Britain on Thursday, July 18 after days of rain expected over the next few days.

The forecaster predicts the mercury could reach around 24C (75 Fahrenheit) expected in some areas of the south east, including around London and up to 25C 77 Fahrenheit) around north east Scotland.

Elsewhere, including Birmingham and other areas of the West Midlands, temperatures could reach around 23C according to the forecast.

It follows a grey and wet start to the summer for many in the country - with frequent showers in some areas.

While temperatures look set to rise later this month, more rain is expected in some parts of the country before then.

It comes as the Met Office has issued a weather warning for rain for areas of North West England and Wales for Sunday, July 7.

The forecaster is advising people to expect 'slow-moving heavy showers' through the morning - with the forecaster predicting possible travel disruption due to flooding.

That warning, in force between 4am and 10am, states: "A band of slow-moving heavy showers is expected to feed inland across The Wirral, Merseyside and western parts of Greater Manchester during Sunday morning.

"Whilst some places will only see some rain, a few places may see 30-40 mm in 2-3 hours."

The Met Office long-range weather forecast for the period beyond this, from late July into early August, predicts the possibility of 'higher than average' temperatures.

It states: "There are some signs of a slightly greater than normal chance of a more prolonged settled spell developing at some point during the period, at least for a time, and perhaps more likely in the south.

"However, by the same token further, perhaps shorter, unsettled interludes are probable too.

"Above average temperatures overall, and drier than average conditions overall, are very slightly favoured."

Met Office five-day forecast

Headline:

Staying unsettled and rather cool feeling.

This Evening and Tonight:

Saturday, July 6 until Wednesday, July 10

Headline: Daytime showers will ease this evening, becoming confined to the north and west. Heavier showers return in the southwest and Liverpool Bay area by the morning but clearer elsewhere. Locally chilly under clear skies in the north.

Sunday:

Showers in the west will become more widespread through the day. Locally heavy and thundery in southern Scotland, northern England and east Wales. Sunny spells in between and light winds.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Showers in the north on Monday, with cloud and rain across southern areas. Cloud and rain will then move northwards through Tuesday and will stay into Wednesday.