Met Office responds to reports of African plume heatwave for Britain in August

Brit sun seekers eagerly looking forward to August’s African plume heatwave have been given a hint of caution by the Met Office - saying there is “little signal” of very hot weather.

After weeks of heavy rain and flooding for much of the UK, the prospect of warmer weather ahead was a big boost for people looking at staycations this summer and not heading abroad.

There is some indication that there will be warmer weather ahead from the Met Office but it comes cautiously and forecasters have pointed out that very high temperatures are unlikely.

The Met Office stated there is “little signal for any exceptionally hot weather.”

There was hope that the plume would be brought with hot air from Africa heading north and coupled with high pressure from the Azores seeing temperatures rise up and beyond 30C.

There has been plenty of rain and floods in the UK so far this summer (PA)

The turning point for a new heatwave was expected to be August 15, but the Met Office is saying now that it is likely for temperatures to be average for the time of year.

Forecasters at least are anticipating an improvement to the showers for the start of August.

The Met Office stated: “Through the remainder of this period, it will likely turn more settled, though a few showers cannot be ruled out, especially in south eastern areas.

"This will bring drier weather, with sunny spells for most through to mid-August, and temperatures trending closer to, perhaps above average.”

It was a similar message from Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey but she also pointed out that temperatures could remain below normal for August.

The weather is set to improve as the month goes on but very hot temperatures are not likely (AFP via Getty Images)

She said: “"The Met Office is predicting unsettled weather through to the middle of August with a mixture of showers, some of which could be heavy with thunder and lightning, and some sunshine.

"The second half of August also looks changeable but could become more settled towards the end of the month.

"Temperatures will be near to below normal for much of the month, but there is an indication we could see above-average temperatures around mid-month especially across the north of the UK.

"At this stage there is little signal for any exceptionally hot weather."