- Provisional Met Office data indicates the UK is on track for its hottest summer on record after temperatures reached 38.1C in London on Thursday.
- The fifth heatwave of the year is expected to ease next week as temperatures drop closer to seasonal averages across the country.
- Prolonged dry weather has placed about 70 per cent of England and Wales in drought, leaving 27 million people under water-use restrictions.
- The Met Office forecasts potential rain for parts of the UK next week, though dry southern areas may see only light rainfall initially.
- High pressure could return towards the end of August, potentially bringing a sixth heatwave of the summer and further prolonged warm weather.
IN FULL
