UK weather maps show exact date millions will be hit by 75mph winds in summer

Weather maps show gales battering parts of Britain with peak gusts in excess of 75mph at the start of August. Strong winds appear, surprisingly, to make landfall in the south of England - with Essex, Greater London, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset in the firing line.

This map, dated for August 3, has instilled fears the UK's drab summer may stretch into next month, despite some 30C sparks shooting through the cracks.

Meteorologist, Jim Dale, from British Weather Services told Express.co.uk low pressure is still barrelling towards the UK from the Atlantic, but he cautioned that a lot may change in the run up to August 3.

He also claimed weather models have a tendency to exaggerate high wind situations in summertime. Mr Dale added: "I'm not saying it can't come off as the jet stream is still barrelling in from the Atlantic and US in a more or less straight line directly to ourselves."

The weather expert said summertime gales tend to affect northern Scotland and the Shetland Islands rather than populated areas further south. He added: "It's not unprecedented and can happen. But it would be unusual to see it in south and central England."

The Met Office's long range weather forecast, from July 26 to August 4, reports "changeable" weather patterns in early August, with showers and occasional spells of rain likely to affect all regions at times. It doesn't mention strong winds.

It adds: "However, some drier and brighter interludes are also expected, these most likely in southern and eastern regions. The most frequent spells of wet weather are most likely to be across northern and western areas."

The forecaster expects temperatures to be mostly close to or slightly above average for a time, with any warmer spells generally short-lived.

Netweather's monthly forecast, spanning July 29 to August 20, says it will be wetter than normal in north-west Scotland, but drier than normal in most other parts of the UK, particularly in England, Wales and south-east Scotland.

It adds: "Sunshine totals are likely to be near to slightly below normal in western Scotland and in the west of Northern Ireland, but above normal in most parts of England and Wales and eastern Scotland, though north-west England and north Wales may only have near average sunshine."

Met Office UK five day weather forecast

Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26

Headline: A changeable week ahead, but warmer for a time.

Today: A cloudy start for many with outbreaks of rain moving eastwards. It will turn brighter with the rain turning more showery, although a risk of some heavier showers developing across northern areas. Feeling warmer than yesterday in the sunshine.

Tonight: Early evening rain and showers in the north gradually clearing. Otherwise some clear spells, but cloud and rain moving in from the west across many southern areas throughout the night.

Tuesday: Early rain in the south clearing, leaving a day of sunny spells and scattered showers. The odd heavier shower possible in the southeast later. Feeling warm, especially in the sunshine.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Sunshine and some showers on Wednesday, although rain moving into west later. Breezy with rain for most on Thursday. Showery on Friday in the north, but drier in the south.