Met Office gives verdict on whether UK is set for an Indian Summer

It's been a record-breaking summer in the UK with four official heatwaves and widespread hot weather. The Met Office has now given its verdict on whether Brits can expect an Indian Summer.

Provisional data shows that this summer is set to be the hottest on record. The mean temperature currently stands at 16.13C, topping the previous record of 15.76C in 2018. However, those hoping for the warm weather to continue throughout the autumn may be disappointed.

As reported by the Independent, forecasters are expecting fairly moderate conditions this month. Temperatures are likely to be in the low-twenties despite speculation that the mercury could hit 30C in some areas this September.

Craig Snell, a Met Office meteorologist, said: "The week after next is a little bit too early to nail down exactly what will go on. Our general trend though, as we go through to the second week of September, is that, on the whole, for the UK, it is probably going to remain on the changeable, unsettled side of the weather.

"It looks like there will be some drier and brighter spells at times... It will be early September, so in any sunnier moments, it will still feel fairly warm out there."

He added that the brighter and drier weather is likely to come in the second week of September. However, the chances of a heatwave are fairly unlikely.

Mr Snell explained: "I can't say it's not going to completely not happen, but looking at the chances of things happening, I'd say there's just as much chance of us being as we are now."

According to the Met Office long-range forecast for the UK, which runs from Friday, September 5 until Sunday, September 14, there will be "changeable weather conditions" across the nation. There could also be heavy rain in some parts, as well as the possibilty of thunderstorms and hail.

The forecaster said: "Some heavy rain or showers are expected in places, most often in the west. Thunderstorms and hail are also possible, as are some spells of strong winds if any deep areas of low pressure form in the vicinity of the UK."

They added: "Some short-lived spells of drier and more settled weather are also possible at times, especially early and again late in the period, when they may last a little longer."

Today:

Sunny spells but also a fair amount of cloud, along with occasional showers. These heavy and blustery at times and the odd rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out. Rather windy, especially along English Channel coasts, with occasional strong gusts. Maximum temperature 22 °C.

Tonight:

Showers gradually becoming restricted to English Channel coastal areas, with most inland areas dry by the early hours of Tuesday. Winds also easing inland, but staying breezy along coasts. Minimum temperature 10 °C.

Tuesday:

Brighter spells and showers at first. Cloud and rain then spreading east through the morning, breaking up into heavy and potentially thundery showers by the afternoon. Breezy along southern coasts. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Windy, with rain, heavy at times, spreading northeast early Wednesday, clearing to heavy, potentially thundery showers. Further heavy showers early Thursday, with sunny spells and isolated showers following. Drier Friday.