The Met Office says parts of the UK could experience another spell of unusually warm weather, despite summer having just been the country’s hottest on record. Southern areas may reach 26°C, prompting some residents to complain online about continued heat and a lack of autumnal conditions.

High pressure is driving the warmth, with sunshine and dry weather expected across much of the country before conditions become more changeable from Wednesday. Rain may affect northern areas, while cooler nights, possible localised frost and strong winds are forecast later in the week; London could reach about 22°C on Thursday.