Chances of above-average temperatures this autumn, Met Office says

A scorching summer could give way to an autumn of "above-average" temperatures, the Met Office has said.

The three-month outlook – covering August, September and October – shows "an increased chance of high-pressure patterns close to the UK".

Sea surface temperatures at "near-record levels" following the hot weather also make above-average temperatures more likely, according to the long-range prediction system.

The report said: "This would result in more settled UK weather conditions overall.

"The likelihood of above-average temperatures is greater than normal, but while the chances of below-average temperatures are considerably smaller, they remain a realistic possibility."

While a weather warning is not looking likely, thunder and hail storms could hit the UK on Friday, a Met Office spokeswoman said.

"On Thursday we are looking at some heavy showers for the northern half of England. There's some potential for thunder and hail," she said.

"Also on Friday that becomes a little bit more widespread with a chance across much of the country."

Temperatures are forecast to be in the high teens and early 20s towards the weekend.