Heatwave conditions to return for many as UK temperatures to peak at 35C

Heatwave conditions to return for many as UK temperatures to peak at 35CImage source, Mike Kemp / Getty ImagesByChris Fawkes Lead weather presenterPublished1 minute agoCommentsHeat is set to intensify and become more widespread across England and parts of Wales next week with temperatures surging as high as 35C (95F).Following much-needed rain in the north and north-west of the UK this weekend, temperatures will rise back to heatwave threshold levels in many locations.For some, the new week may mark the start of the fourth heatwave of the year.However a few locations are still experiencing their third with temperatures at Usk, Monmouthshire and Exeter, Devon reaching heatwave thresholds for the 20th consecutive day on Friday.When is a heatwave declared and how many has the UK had?Heatwaves are declared when temperatures reach or exceed a threshold temperature for three consecutive days. This varies from 25C across the north and west of the UK to 28C in parts of eastern England.These thresholds were widely met in late May, June and again in July - meaning we have had three heatwaves so far.Image source, Met OfficeImage caption, Heatwave thresholds vary across the UKFor most of England and Wales the third heatwave of the year ended last weekend when cooler air arrived, dropping maximum temperatures widely to 20-24C.However, two locations - Usk and Exeter - have continued to just reach their heatwave criteria since then and have now reached 20 consecutive days - the longest run so far this year.As temperatures drop further over the weekend, and parts of the UK see a little rain, even these local heatwaves are likely to come to an end.However, it may only be a temporary break.Next week, high pressure is set to build close to the south of the UK meaning rain-bearing weather fronts will stall.Any wet weather will become confined to northern and western areas - especially north-west Scotland - and in southern parts of the UK temperatures look set to climb once again.This c...