Number of England counties set to miss out on next heatwave rises to 26

The number of counties in England set to miss out on the upcoming UK heatwave has risen from 16 to 26, despite predictions of a sweltering 32C returnfor many in the final days of July.

Weather maps and charts from WX Charts, utilising Met Desk data, indicate that only London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire are likely to enjoy the resurgence of hot weather. Berkshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire could also experience the heat. This means areas including the entire South West, West Midlands, East Midlands, North East and North West are set to miss out.

Counties not expected to feel the heat include the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northants, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Cornwall, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Northumberland.

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The maps and charts predict a return of the hot weather around July 29, with temperatures between 30C and 32C widespread across the country. WXCharts' maps show that 10 counties will become scorching on July 30, while other parts are also likely to stay warm, reports Birmingham Live.

Should the sweltering weather persist until August 1, we could be looking at a full-blown 72-hour heatwave. A recent forecast from the Met Office for late July suggests: "Overall a rather more changeable pattern of weather through this period, compared to much of the summer thus far.

"The first couple of days could well be particularly unsettled with heavy rain and/or thunderstorms in many areas. Into the following week, a general westerly type set-up looks to become established, with occasional weather systems moving in from the Atlantic.

"This means further rain or showers and breezy conditions at times, interspersed with some drier, sunnier periods. Temperatures are expected to average out above normal and whilst brief hotter and humid days are possible, the chance of prolonged heat is lower than during the last few weeks.

"This broad pattern is likely to continue towards the end of July."