Return of the heatwave: Sunnier conditions set to banish rain and storms – for one day at least

People enjoying the good weather on Scarborough beach, as the summer heatwave continues across the UK (PA)

After a grey and rainy few days, many Britons may be pleased to hear that the weather looks set to return to temperatures close to those experienced in the heatwave - for Thursday at least.

The UK had been enjoying a month-long spell of good weather as temperatures rocketed to 33.5C in some areas and sun worshippers flocked to packed beaches on the coast.

The hottest temperatures in seven years were recorded in July before summer came to an abrupt end following a series of downpours across the country. A series of lightning and thunderstorms, coupled with flash-flooding in Nottingham and West Yorkshire, lead the Met Office to issue severe weather warnings throughout the UK.

But Thursday will bring the BBQ season back briefly, with forecasters expecting the mercury to reach 31C in some areas across England, creating "hot and humid" conditions.

The Met Office said low clouds will lift by Thursday morning in a "mostly sunny and very warm day" across England and Wales, with the south east of England particularly feeling the heat.

Sadly, balmier conditions do not look set to stay and the Meteo Group have warned cooler temperatures and more heavy spells of rain and thunderstorms will arrive on Friday in the north and west of the UK. The south east will continue to enjoy sunnier periods.