Heavy rain to lash parts of nation but soaring heatwave could be on its way

It will be another washout start to the week on Monday but a mini-heatwave is predicted to return before August is over.

The latest weather predictions have raised hopes of a hot and sunny end to August, with a possible heatwave to mark the end of the month over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But before then Brits will be lashed by more downpours with the mercury predicted to drop below average for the summer month this week.

On Monday forecasters say that showers will drench parts of the north and east, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This will spread further towards the south with Wales, the Midlands and eastern England all set to suffer more downpours tonight.

Heavy rain has lashed the nation for much of August (NurPhoto/PA Images)

Temperatures are predicted to stay in the mid to upper teens, with highs of about 20C in the south east.

But looking ahead there are renewed hopes for a final summer heatwave.

The forecast from the MeteoGroup, published on the BBC website, suggests a warmer than average spell could extend into September.

Despite the deluge warmer weather is set to come (PA)

For the week of August 23 - August 29, the BBC forecast says: "We have high confidence in the high pressure and above average temperatures, but lower confidence just how warm it will get as this will be very sensitive to the exact position of the high.

"As high pressure sits overhead for longer, it will help warm up the air stuck in place overhead, so we anticipate that temperatures will be widely above average for many of the days. With this comes an increased chance for a heat wave to develop."

For the same week, the Met Office said: "There is a greater chance of winds from a southerly sector allowing for the possibility of some very warm spells."

But it adds that it could also bring the chance of more heavy rain as well as 'thundery showers.'

UK Weather Forecast

Today:

A few showers affecting eastern and northwestern parts, else mostly dry with broken cloud and sunny spells. Rain and drizzle reaching western Scotland and Northern Ireland later. Breezy for many with temperatures a little below average.

Tonight:

Rain, drizzle and low cloud in the northwest spreading southeastwards across much of Scotland, northern England, then perhaps Wales, the Midlands and eastern England later.

Tuesday:

Many parts cloudy with some light rain and drizzle, especially in places exposed to the northwesterly breeze. Some sunny spells, mainly in the southwest and in the shelter of hills.