The UK is set for a hot week with a heatwave landing on British shores, meaning Royal Ascot punters can enjoy watching the racing in the bright sunshine.
The weather for one of the Queen's favourite events will be key and good or good to firm ground could be the expected turf at the races over the course of the week, affecting the last-minute decisions of punters keen for a flutter.
For a period of hot weather to be a heatwave, there has to be "at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold".
The weather expected for most for the week will be dry with variable clouds and the occasional sunny intervals.
For Wednesday to Friday, the Met Office said: "Elsewhere, mostly dry with sunny spells and becoming increasingly warm. Potentially hot by Friday in the south with some isolated showers."
So when does the heatwave hit and how hot will it be?
Weather forecast for Friday at Ascot
The weather forecast for Friday June 17 at Ascot is expected to be sunny and could well see the peak of a heatwave.
The Met Office said: "Staying fine and dry throughout the period, with variable amounts of cloud and some lengthy spells of sunshine. Becoming very warm, or potentially hot by Thursday and Friday."
Britain's best weather boffins are predicting highs of 29C on the day at around 4pm, roughly the same time as the Coronation Stakes.
After Friday, hot weather is expected to continue across the weekend, particularly in the south of the country, though this could bring some thundery conditions.
The forecast stated: "A northwesterly wind is likely through the weekend, which may bring cooler temperatures, however there is a chance for warm weather to remain in the south.
"Fine but generally unsettled weather can be expected throughout the rest of this period, with the possibility of some showers or longer spells of rain mainly in the northwest and continued possible thundery outbreaks in the south."
What is the weather forecast for Ascot?
The weather for Royal Ascot looks generally good with warm to hot temperatures predicted this week.
Warmer weather is normally expected in the south of the country and groundstaff will be keeping a close eye on the ground at the Berkshire venue.
On Tuesday, the first day of Royal Ascot may be slightly cloudy but dry with highs of 22C. Similar weather is expected for Wednesday, but temperatures could go up to 24C.
Thursday has the honour of hosting the famous Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the UK's horse racing calendar. The weather for the cherished event, featuring three-time winner Stradivarius, looks good with possible highs of 25C and clouds overhead.
Friday is expected to be the week's hottest day, but Royal Ascot will end on Saturday when temperatures are set to be slightly cooler with clearer skies.
What is the latest going at Ascot?
The going (ground) is expected to be quick by the time the runners line up for the opener, the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday (2.30pm).
Watering has commenced due to the dry weather and to keep the track in excellent condition given the forecast.
Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels told the Racing Post officials will "review track conditions once the water has gone in."
Speaking on Saturday, he said: "We're good to firm, good in places, and we're watering. We put 5mm on the round course and we're putting 10mm on the straight."
