UK weather forecast: Heatwave comes to end as single-figure temperatures and cool nights return

Chances of warmer weather on Wednesday but no return to sweltering weekend heat

Cool nights are set to return as the weekend’s scorching heatwave gives way to more typical June temperatures this week, according to the Met Office.

After the UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Saturday, night time temperatures are expected to drop to single figures for many people across the country.

However, there is some chance of warmer weather on Wednesday and Thursday, which could see highs of 29C in Cornwall and 26C in the southeast.

“It’s looking like a fine and dry but fairly benign forecast with temperature back down to usual levels,” said Nicola Maxey, a Met Office spokesperson.

Although early reports suggested the UK could see high 20s by the weekend, hopes of another Saturday spent sunbathing have been dashed as a northern weather front is expected to suppress temperatures towards the end of the week.

The coldest weather of the week is expected in rural areas of western Wales, where temperatures could drop to 3C overnight.

There could also be some heavy rain in the northwest corner of Scotland, with as much as 60mm of rain predicted on Wednesday and Thursday.

Elsewhere, it will be a dry week for most people with temperatures in the low 20s and some scattered showers and cloud in the north of England and Scotland.

“In the south and southeast, Monday should be another fine and sunny day generally. However, elsewhere it is going to be cloudier – there will be a bit of rain as well and also some strong winds too,” Alex Burkill, a Met Office meteorologist, said.

“As we go through the rest of the week, the general north/south split is going to continue. So northern parts staying cloudier with a little bit of rain at times, while further south it should stay dry and brighter.”

The cooler weather will also be felt across mainland Europe, whih has experienced sweltering weather in recent days as a deadly heatwave saw temperatures soar to above 40C in France and Spain.

On Friday, France issued an unprecedented red alert for four areas and registered its highest recorded temperature – 45.9C – in the southern village of Gallargues-le-Montueux.