Brits already sweltering under intense summer heat may need to brace for more as the Met Office's latest long-range forecast warns of a continued risk of hot spells and potential heatwaves through the end of July, particularly in the southeast. The national forecaster's outlook for Tuesday 15 July to Thursday 24 July hints at a break from the dry, oppressive heat for some areas, but not for long.

While cooler, fresher air and scattered showers are expected to spread across parts of the UK, especially Scotland and the west, the southeast and other southern regions are predicted to remain warmer than usual, with a "continued, and perhaps higher than normal, chance of occasional hot spells or heatwaves."

The changeable conditions may offer temporary relief. Heavy and potentially thundery rain will move across parts of the country early next week, with sunshine and cooler breezes in the mix.

Yet even with some rain in the west, the southeast remains firmly in the crosshairs for returning high pressure, dry skies and climbing temperatures.

Met Office said: "A band of locally heavy and thundery rain will clear northeast from Scotland during Tuesday. Elsewhere, there will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers and it will be cooler and fresher.

"By the end of Tuesday, more rain is likely to move into the far west of the UK. From the middle of next week, a rather changeable pattern is anticipated with some rain or showers possible at times, which could be heavy and thundery, and generally focussed over western areas.

"Longer drier spells are more likely towards the south and east, although even here some showers are probable at times.

"Temperatures are likely to remain above average, especially in the south and east where further spells of very warm or hot weather remain possible."

Similarly between 25 July and 8 August, the Met Office expects a mix of rain, thunderstorms, and occasional dry spells, with temperatures staying above average overall.

There's a continued, possibly increased risk of heatwaves, especially in the southeast. However, more unsettled weather may develop around the start of August, though exact details are still uncertain.