Any periods of scorching dry weather until the start of August will be "short-lived", experts have warned.
Some forecasts suggest the UK could see seven days of blistering heat - peaking at 30C - next week, but the Met Office is not so optimistic.
The national weather service's long range forecast up to August 6, states: "Temperatures generally around average, with any periods of particularly warm weather most likely being short-lived."
The average temperature for July sits generally at a fairly conservative 21C, far from the baking tropical temperatures already reached this summer.
Asked about next week's weather, a Met Office spokesman told the Mirror Online yesterday : "On the whole, England and Wales is looking largely settled, with temperatures in the mid-20s in the sunshine."
But emphasised: "It is too early to tell if it will be a heatwave."
Today (Friday) will see a mixture of sunshine and downpours across the UK, with a risk of hail and thunder in some parts.
Rain will be heaviest across northern, central and eastern England.
The mercury is expected to rise over the weekend with temperatures climbing into the mid-20s.
There are no downpours predicted for Bristol today following two days of rain. The mercury will peak at around 19C before temperatures soar to 21C on Sunday.
UK weather forecast
Friday:
Sunny spells and showers. Showers heavy in the east with a risk of thunder, whilst western areas see fewer showers and more sunshine. Feeling fresher in the south.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Fine, dry and settled, although becoming less so across the north from Sunday as some rain arrives and spreads slowly south-east. Increasingly warm, especially south, but chilly overnight at first.
