Arabic version: انخفاض مؤقت في الحرارة قبل موجة الحر الخامسة في المملكة المتحدة

According to BBC News, a brief break from intense heat is expected on Monday before temperatures rise again across much of England and Wales, bringing the fifth heatwave of the year. The week is forecast to stay mostly dry, while parts of southern England approach two months without notable rainfall.

Monday will feel fresher than the weekend, with maximum temperatures of around 18C to 24C in northern areas of the UK and 22C to 27C further south. Warmer air is expected to return on Tuesday, with highs of about 27C to 30C across central southern England, the Midlands and east Wales. Yellow heat-health alerts remain in force for much of England until 21:00 BST on Tuesday.

Temperatures are forecast to reach the high twenties and low thirties widely across England and Wales on Wednesday. The peak is expected on Thursday, when south-east England could reach 36C, while central and eastern England could see up to 35C. Reaching 35C would make this the fourth consecutive month in which that temperature has been reached in the UK, setting a new record.

The dry weather is increasing pressure on water supplies. Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought, and 23 million people already face hosepipe bans. The Environment Agency said river levels have continued to fall after England received less than 10mm of rain for a seventh consecutive week; east and south-east England received less than 1mm. Almost all reservoirs in England are below normal levels, with five classed as exceptionally low. The National Drought Group is due to meet later on Monday to consider whether more regions should be declared in drought.

As the heat builds, overnight temperatures across England and Wales may remain between 16C and 18C, creating uncomfortable sleeping conditions. South-east England could also experience a tropical night, when temperatures stay above 20C throughout the night.