Temperatures are set to reach 27C, and possibly 28C, in parts of south-east England on Sunday, giving Britain what could be its last burst of summer warmth before wetter, more autumnal weather arrives next week. The unseasonal heat coincided with the Big Food and Wine Weekend at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, where thousands of racegoers enjoyed sunny skies, food stalls and cooking demonstrations from Michelin-starred chefs.

Temperatures will vary significantly by region, with highs of around 25C expected in the Midlands, 24C in Wales, 23C in the south-west, 22C in Northern England and 20C in Northern Ireland, while Scotland will be notably cooler, ranging from 17-19C on the mainland to as low as 15C in Orkney and Shetland. Even in cooler areas, temperatures are forecast to remain well above average for early September. Meteorologists expect fresh Atlantic air and rain to move in next week, ending the warm spell, even as France and Spain continue to experience temperatures exceeding 40C amid a broader heatwave across southern and central Europe.