Red weather maps issued as UK 'days away' from North African plume

New weather maps have been issued suggesting sunny summer days could be little more than a week away. It hasn't felt much like summer of late with regular showers.

However, new maps from weather agency WXCharts have a pleasing colour for those hoping to see a brighter summer. The UK is predicted to turn red in some parts - meaning high temperatures - in the next fortnight.

The blast of boiling conditions looks set to land towards the end of the month from Thursday June 27 right through the weekend to Tuesday July 2. It says temperatures will reach 26C in some parts of the UK.

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Even overnight the weather maps are still showing warmer temperatures for much of the country, meaning it could be slightly muggy for sleepers in the towns and cities.

However, it's likely most people might delay their grumbles about an uncomfortable night's sleep if they are finally waking up to weather more suited to June than what has been offer lately.

The Met Office forecast for the period covering June 27 to July 2 said there is a small chance drier warmer weather "could persist" and turn "increasingly hot".

A statement said: "A change to cloudier weather with outbreaks of rain, these most prevalent in the west of the UK, is expected to be well underway by the start of the forecast period.

"However, this may not last too long, as it continues to look increasingly likely that a drier, warmer, and settled spell will begin to develop later this coming weekend, and into the following week. There is a small chance that this could persist for much of the rest of the period, turning increasingly hot."

The Met Office forecast for the rest of this week in the West Midlands:

Tuesday:

Drier for many on Tuesday, but still with a risk of the odd shower mainly further northeast. Feeling warm in any sheltered spots. Maximum temperature 19 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Largely dry on Wednesday and Thursday, though cloudier at times. Feeling warm in the sunnier interludes and light winds. Cloudy with outbreaks of rain on Friday.