Hot weather is predicted to return to parts of the UK in time for the August bank holiday weekend after a wet and windy start to the month.

Parts of the southeast could see high temperatures of 26C, particularly in London where many people will be preparing for the Notting Hill Carnival.

Forecasters have said they are expecting “gradual improvements” in the weather elsewhere next week with less frequent showers and warm air coming to the UK from continental Europe.

However, the Met Office has downplayed hopes of a late summer heatwave, warning there is “no indication of anything exceptional” in the current forecast.

Some forecasters have suggested temperatures in the UK could return to just below 30C by the end of the month.

Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Carnival performers in costume attend the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27, 2018 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract around a million people over the bank holiday weekend. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Jack Taylor Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Performers in costume take part in the carnival on the main Parade day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 27, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures PC Gary Hitchman poses with Brazilian dancer Juliana Campos as she prepares to take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in west London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday August 27, 2018. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire John Stillwell PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival performers in costume pose for a photograph as they wait in the preparation area ahead of an appearance on the main Parade day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 27, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Performers in costume take part in the carnival on the main Parade day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 27, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures A band practices ahead of the parade during the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. The carnival has been held every year since 1966 and one of the largest festival celebrations of its kind in Europe. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) Tim Ireland AP Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06976130 A dancer is dressed in a colourful costume during the Notting Hill Carnival Adults Parade in London, Britain, 27 August 2018. The Adult Parade is billed as the crescendo to the two-day street carnival, which celebrates Caribbean heritage, and this year the festival's 52nd anniversary. EPA/PETE MACLAINE Â©Licenced to i-Images Picture Agency. All Rights Reserved. UK copyright law applies to all print & online publications. i-Images space rates apply to all images. Magazines contact agency for fees before use. Images Single use only then repro fees apply. Info@i-images.co Office Tel: +44 20 8506 1486 PETE MACLAINE EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures A performer in costume takes part in the carnival on the main Parade day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 27, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Police officers stand on duty at a road barrier across Great Western Road on the main Parade day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 27, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Carnival performers in costume attend the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27, 2018 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract around a million people over the bank holiday weekend. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Jack Taylor Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Carnival performers in costume attend the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27, 2018 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract around a million people over the bank holiday weekend. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Jack Taylor Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Carnival performers in costume attend the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27, 2018 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract around a million people over the bank holiday weekend. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Jack Taylor Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Carnival performers in costume attend the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27, 2018 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract around a million people over the bank holiday weekend. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Jack Taylor Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain August 27, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls HENRY NICHOLLS Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Costumed revellers perform in the parade during the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. The carnival has been held every year since 1966 and one of the largest festival celebrations of its kind in Europe. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) Tim Ireland AP Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974290 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival goers brave the heavy rain during the Children's Day parade at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story SOCIAL Carnival. Photo credit should read: Kathryn Younger/PA Wire Kathryn Younger PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival goers brave the heavy rain during the Children's Day parade PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures The crowd pauses for 72 seconds silence in remembrance of all those lost in the Grenfell Tower fire at the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System at Notting Hill Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Dancers brave the heavy rain during the Children's Day parade at the Notting Hill Carnival PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers dancing to music following the Children's Day parade PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974294 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Dancers perform on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974292 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974289 A performer takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival performers participate in the parade on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974287 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures A carnival performer dances during the parade on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Police stops and search a visitor on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974321 A performer takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival performers take part in the parade on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974336 A woman poses with her umbrella as she takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Carnival performers dance in the parade on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974354 People dance in the street at the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974351 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06974338 A woman passes a boarded property at the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures NOTTING HILL, LONDON - AUGUST 26 Early morning revellers celebrate Jouvertin Ladbroke Grove on August 26, 2018 as part of Notting Hill Carnival in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival is recognised as Europe's biggest street festival. (Alex McBride/Getty Images) Alex McBride Getty Images Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carniva Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Early morning revellers celebrate Jouvertin Ladbroke Grove Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain August 26, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls HENRY NICHOLLS Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain August 26, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls HENRY NICHOLLS Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain August 26, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls HENRY NICHOLLS Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06973660 People shelter from the rain before the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures NOTTING HILL, LONDON - AUGUST 26 Early morning revellers celebrate Jouvertin Ladbroke Grove on August 26, 2018 as part of Notting Hill Carnival in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival is recognised as Europe's biggest street festival. (Alex McBride/Getty Images) Alex McBride Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures NOTTING HILL, LONDON - AUGUST 26 Early morning revellers take a selfie as they celebrate Jouvertin Ladbroke Grove on August 26, 2018 as part of Notting Hill Carnival in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival is recognised as Europe's biggest street festival. (Alex McBride/Getty Images) Alex McBride Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures NOTTING HILL, LONDON - AUGUST 26 Early morning revellers celebrate Jouvert in Ladbroke Grove on August 26, 2018 as part of Notting Hill Carnival in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival is recognised as Europe's biggest street festival. (Alex McBride/Getty Images) Alex McBride Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06973661 Two women shelter from the rain before the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 26, 2018. See PA story SOCIAL Carnival. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Stefan Rousseau PA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06973659 A man dances before the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Police march before the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day EPA Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures A performer prepares for the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2018. - Nearly one million people are expected by the organizers Sunday and Monday in the streets of west London's Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture at a carnival considered the largest street demonstration in Europe. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP/Getty Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures Revellers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain August 26, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls HENRY NICHOLLS Reuters Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – in pictures epa06973649 Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival Family Day in London, Britain, 26 August 2018. The street festival celebrates its 52nd anniversary and more than a million people are expected to attend the two-day celebration of Caribbean heritage on 26 and 27 August. EPA/NEIL HALL NEIL HALL EPA

But Becky Mitchell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said high temperatures in the mid-20s were most likely by the bank holiday weekend.

Before then, the UK will see blustery showers over the next few days with sunny spells and maximum temperatures of about 21C in the south and 19C in the north.

In relation to the upcoming week, Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “We can't get much worse, can we? We've had such wet and windy weather so far this month.

"It's likely that Saturday right through to Wednesday, at least, will be summarised by sunny spells and showers.

"And hopefully from Thursday through the rest of the week those showers should start to become less, but a bit of uncertainty with exactly how less they will become as we head towards the bank holiday weekend.”

However, both Mr Dewhurst and Ms Mitchell said it was too early to say with any certainty how hot the bank holiday weekend would be.

On Friday, bookmaker Coral said it had suspended betting on this August being the wettest on record after the Met Office issued a severe yellow weather warning for rain.