North East heatwave - Met Office forecast as temperatures hit 31C

While the long-term outlook looks mixed, forecasts are suggesting a return of warm summer sunshine in the coming days.

Across the North East, the forecast points to temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s, with Darlington expected to see some of the hottest conditions next week.

But while July and early August have been dominated by spells of unsettled weather, the Met Office says a change could be on the horizon, potentially bringing more settled and warmer weather as August progresses.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "The key message is that further heatwaves are possible but not guaranteed."

In Darlington, forecasts show a return of summer heat by Tuesday, August 11, with highs of 27C and plenty of sunshine expected.

Temperatures could climb even higher on Wednesday, with 29C forecast, and reach 30C on Thursday.

Newcastle is also expected to see the mercury rise, with a predicted high of 28C on Wednesday.

The clear skies could give residents across the region a good view of the solar eclipse on Wednesday.

For those hoping for a longer spell of settled weather, the Met Office says August is likely to deliver a mixed bag.

While temperatures are likely to remain above average overall, the first half of the month looks set to remain changeable, with a mix of rain, showers, and brighter intervals.

Later in the month, a shift towards drier, more settled weather is possible as high-pressure systems build, bringing the potential for heatwaves and prolonged warm periods.

However, the change isn’t guaranteed for all areas.

There’s still a risk that Atlantic systems could bring cooler, wetter conditions to northern parts of the country, while the south could experience thundery outbreaks as warmer air settles in.

The Met Office said: "The longer-range outlook indicates that temperatures are likely to be above average overall, with a risk of hot weather and heatwaves later in August."