Brits could be sizzling in soaring temperatures that peak in the mid 30s in a matter of days, the Met Office has said. It would make parts of the UK hotter than Portugal or Jamaica.
We could see the hottest day of the year so far on Friday. And we could be on course for some summer heateaves, with those in the south more likely to see the very warm weather.
Steven Keates of the Met Office was reported in the MirrorOnline saying: “There’s not been much in the way of exceptionally warm days or hot days yet this year, but that is set to change. We’re set to see probably a brief spell of hot weather at the end of this coming week.”
Temperatures are currently forecast to reach 32C in the south-east on Friday but Mr Keates added: “It could possibly be a little hotter than that… mid-30s are possible.”
It would also mean the hottest day of the year so far, eclipsing the record of 27.5C set in mid-May at Heathrow. “We should beat that comfortably on Friday and potentially exceed it, or get very close to it, on Wednesday and Thursday as well,” Mr Keates said.
Monday is expected to bring sunny spells for England and Wales ahead of hotter temperatures in mid-week, while Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect cloudier conditions with light rain.
And once the warm weather sets in, it could become a feature of the summer with heatwaves also likely over the coming months, and one meteorologist hailing a turning point after a disappointing start to the year.
The meteorologist added that heatwaves - three consecutive days of high temperatures - were possible between June and mid-September.
"We think at the moment it will be warmer than average with an increasing likelihood of heatwaves," he said.
"There have been no heatwaves so far this year... the greater likelihood is that it's going to be the further south, south east, you are."
Met Office weather latest:
Today : Fine for England and Wales with sunny spells. Scotland and Northern Ireland cloudier with some light rain - most frequent in northwest Scotland but heavier shower possible in northeast Scotland too. Feeling fairly warm in sunnier southeast.
Tonight : Some areas of cloud but largely clear and locally chilly in south. Cloudy in the northwest with some patchy rain.
Tuesday : Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland cloudy with some rain at times, especially across the northwest. Elsewhere, mostly dry with variable cloud and sunny intervals. Feeling warm in the sunshine.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday : Continuing cloud, rain and breezy conditions across the northwest. Elsewhere, mostly dry with sunny spells and becoming increasingly warm. Potentially hot by Friday in the south with some isolated showers.
