Exact date ‘Azores high’ to bring return of sun with heatwave ‘likely’

A “pattern change” is expected around June 20, according to NetWeather meteorologist Ian Simpson.

In previous years, the jet stream has shifted further north, resulting in high-pressure ridges forming over the British Isles.

The latest weather maps show highs of 24C across southern England and the midlands around June 23.

Northern parts of England will likely see a “greater chance of a predominantly changeable westerly pattern” – prevailing winds from the west toward the east.

Simpson said: “It looks likely that southern parts of the UK have a substantial chance of experiencing warm/hot dry sunny weather during the last third of June, with signs of a strengthening Azores High potentially throwing up ridges into southern parts of Britain in particular.

“However, for northern Britain, there is a greater chance of a predominantly changeable westerly pattern becoming established.

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“A pattern shift in late June would likely lead to some relaxation of the heat over south-eastern Europe while increasing the likelihood of hot weather at times in central and western Europe.”

Temperatures look set to remain in the mid-20s from June 20 until June 25.

Forecasters predict that conditions will stay “unsettled” with temperatures generally no higher than average for the time of year until the end of the month.

This week, temperatures are expected to be mostly cooler than average for the UK.