UK weather: Maps show blistering 38C Azores blast engulfing Britain in days

A damp and drizzly start to July won't be hanging around forever as Europe's blistering heatwave begins to spill over the British Isles.

That's according to the latest round of weather maps from WXCHARTS, which show volcanic red countries such as Spain and Greece somewhat sharing their sweltering temperatures of 40C and upwards. The maps so far centre on the dates of July 21 where the mercury begins to creep back up.

Many Brits have been concerned at the lack of British summertime weather, and with the peak of meteorlogical summer arriving next week, the downward slope to autumn and winter is within sight.

Temperatures since the middle of June have remained on the cooler side of average, with the Met Office only issuing one heat-health alert so far this year when the mercury reached 30C.

But Jim Dale, senior meteorologist for British Weather Services has predicted an uptick to around 25C in around 11 days, citing GFS weather models as being "all over the shop" at the moment.

He told Express.co.uk: "The weather models are all over the shop at the moment. Seemingly it will be much warmer from the 21st, between 24-25C, tops, but struggling to reach 30C. I can’t trust them beyond there but the expectation is of pleasant weather in the main."

When asked why this summer has so far remained cooler - despite our European neighbours sweltering in dangerous and extreme heats of more than 40C, Mr Dale gave a simple answer.

He said: "We are on the edge of all things, the Northerly quarter airstream. You might say we are lucky not to be in the oven with them."

Forecasters at Netweather have also offered some analysis over what the next 10 days will look like, in the run up to GFS and Mr Dale's hot spike on July 21. Nick Finnis added: "Unfortunately it's not looking too promising for the next 7-10 days if it's heat you're after, with most model ensemble guidance suggesting a continuation of cool conditions for the time of year, with the jet stream to the south of the UK."

But he did offer a silver lining in the shape of an Azores high, which may have more influence across the south of England.

From July 15 to 24, the Met Office says there are some early signs of a more settled period - but does not offer anything more. It says: "There are limited, if any, signs for more prolonged settled and warm weather, but winds are likely to stay fairly light overall with temperatures, particularly across the south, coming up to around the average for the of year."

But, up until August 8, there are a peppering of signs that indicate a mix of conditions. It adds: "There remain encouraging signs of a more settled spell developing at some point during the period, at least for a time, and perhaps more likely in the south.

"However, by the same token further, perhaps shorter, unsettled interludes are likely too, and confidence in the broad weather patterns during this period is much lower than average. Above average temperatures overall, and drier than average conditions overall, are slightly favoured."