London is set to be hotter than parts of Florida this week with temperatures reaching into the low 30 degrees centigrade by Friday.
Temperatures in the capital are forecast to soar from 20C on Monday to 27C by Wednesday, and possibly a sweltering high of 32C to end the working week, according to the Met Office.
The BBC is forecasting London to reach 31C on Friday - the same temperature forecasters are predicting for Miami.
Temperatures are expected to peak in southeast England, likely London, but Met Office could not confirm which areas in the capital will be the hottest.
Warmer air from the continent is introducing the scorching weather, spokesperson Stephen Dixon said.
“With high pressure largely dominant over England and Wales, temperatures will build through the week, likely peaking in the southeast on Friday with 32C possible, and high 20s possible elsewhere in southern and central areas,” he said.
But it’s unclear if the warm spell will last into the weekend, with a cold front moving in from the north bringing a drop in temperatures and possibly showers.
“The uncertainty for Saturday is how quickly this cold front moves to the south and influences the weather, “ Mr Dixon said.
“At present the southeast looks most likely to hold on to any heat the longest, although even this could be subdued slightly, possibly to around 27C.”
While it might certainly feel like a heatwave in London this week, Mr Dixon said the city has to hit 28C three days in a row for it to be officially recorded as one.
Meanwhile in western Scotland and Northern Ireland, a showery week is forecast.
The Met Office’s highest recorded temperature for the UK this year was 27.5C at Heathrow on May 17.
