UK weather maps turn volcanic red as 31C Iberian plume blasts Britain - 12 hottest cities

The trend of hot and sunny weather in the UK this summer shows no signs of letting up, with temperatures of 31C forecast to hit a great stretch of the country in just a few weeks' time. Large parts of southern and central England could see a sharp rise in the mercury on Friday, August 1, according to maps from WXCharts, ushered in by hot air moving in from southwestern Europe. The hottest temperatures, of around 31C, are expected in the southwest and southeast, with Birmingham, Gloucester and Reading all set for an above-average start to the new month.

London, Southampton and Brighton will also be among the cities hot by the Iberian plume, which could be the fourth heatwave - defined as a prolonged period of unusually warm weather - experienced in the UK this year. The high temperatures will show no sign of abating over the first few days of August, forecasts suggest, with highs of 30C continuing to spread across southern England on Sunday, August 3.

The UK's third heatwave of the year peaked at 33C on Saturday, July 12, prompting heat health alerts to be issued across the country, warning of a heightened risk of death to vulnerable people, including those aged over 65 and with existing health conditions.

While temperatures have remained high in the interim, the Met Office issued weather warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms in southwest England, Wales and Scotland this week - with some remaining in place until Monday evening.

The national weather service has predicted a "changeable" start to August, with temperatures remaining near or above average and a continuing chance of warm or hot spells in the south and east.

"There are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into [the month]," a Met Office spokesperson added.

Bristol (31C)

Gloucester (31C)

Southampton (30C)

London (30C)

Ipswich (30C)

Brighton (29C)

Reading (29C)

Luton (29C)

Birmingham (28C)

Northampton (28C)

Nottingham (28C)

Leicester (28C)