The UK is set for the “third heatwave of the summer” next week – with maps and charts showing skyrocketing temperatures. After highs of 32C at times last week, the UK is braced for yet further stifling heat as the mercury rises across England.

Maps from the Met Office showing a hot air mass potentially sweeping the country – after a disappointingly under-par summer so far. Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The recent influence of high pressure on the UK’s weather is now subsiding and is being replaced by more of a dominant westerly weather regime.

“This is seeing temperatures dip back towards average for the time of year for many but will also open the door to some more persistent rain into northwestern areas in the coming days.” The maps show temperatureds rising around August 10 and August 11.

The early Met Office outlook for Wednesday onwards reads: “Bright spells and showers for many on Wednesday. A band of cloud and rain then moves eastwards on Thursday, likely clearing to sunshine and showers on Friday.”

And its forecast from August 9 to August 18 goes on: “Remaining predominantly changeable through this period, with the UK’s weather characterised by a broadly westerly type, which means weather mostly of an Atlantic origin. Within this, low pressure is perhaps more likely to be situated further to the north, bringing more frequent bouts of rain, showers and perhaps windier weather at times.”

It adds: “Conversely, areas further south are more likely to see ridges of higher pressure, bringing more in the way of fine, settled weather, though still with the potential for some wetter, thundery or more generally unsettled interludes.”

“The forecast continues: “There is a reasonable chance of above average temperatures in the south, perhaps with short-lived hot spells, whereas temperatures further to the north will probably be nearer normal overall.”