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Friday starts dry in all areas. The rest of the day brings long sunny periods but there will be some cloud around. This afternoon the heat triggers some showers but they will be isolated. The northern half of the UK has a warm day and in the south temperatures are expected to reach a hot 31C (88F). See the rain and lightning radar for the latest view.

Meteo France Arpege, forecast temperatures, 17:00 BST Fri 6th July

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The month ahead - July 

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Wimbledon tennis Hourly - 16 day

Tonight showers fade away to leave dry conditions. In the south temperatures probably won't fall much below 21C (70F) by the morning but northern areas will be fresher.

Tomorrow a repeat performance is expected. Again there is a risk of scattered showers which could be thundery in the south east. Temperatures in the south will be similar to today's and the north may be a couple of degrees warmer. If you are planning a party for the England match, and a long evening outside, keep an eye on the shower risk wit the rain radar.

Hirlam, forecast rainfall, 16:00 BST Sat 7th July

The heatwave continues on Sunday in much of the UK but Scotland may be cloudier and cooler with a risk of patchy rain. Elsewhere there should be plenty sunshine but in the south a few thundery showers develop. Temperatures in southern and central regions top out at close to 31C (88F). 

Warm and dry for most next week

Computer models suggest that high pressure will be centred to the west of the UK for much of next week. That means it should be predominantly dry and fine, but temperatures are likely to ease off as cooler air from the Atlantic filters southwards.

GFS, forecast pressure and 500hPa heights, 16:00 BST Thu 12th July

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16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Dry and very warm or hot weather is shown for much of the period. Beyond mid July the risk of showery rain increases. View latest GEFS.