UK weather: Sizzling 34C to bake Britain - but North braced for dramatic plunge at weekend

Reach for the sun cream folks, we could be heading for the ­hottest of the year so far.

Weather experts reckon Friday’s temperatures may hit a sizzling 34C.

And with Thursday expected to be 29C, Ladbrokes have slashed the odds on 2022 becoming the hottest summer ever to 6/4.

Brits have already been soaking up the sun and enjoying glorious weather, with Wednesday being warmer than Croatia and the Canaries. Kew Gardens, in South West London, hit 28.2C, putting Dubrovnik and the Spanish islands in the shade at 27C.

The Met Office and the UK Health ­Security Agency issued heat warnings to alert the NHS of a danger to health.

A woman walking along the seafront in Lyme Regis in Dorset showing signs of sunburn (Graham Hunt/BNPS)

Harry, two, having fun at Gheluvelt Park Splashpad, Worcester (Emma Trimble / SWNS)

Met forecaster Annie Shuttleworth said: “It’s going to be very hot on Friday with highs of 34C. If we get to that it will be ­the warmest ­temperature since August 2020.

“For the rest of June into mid July we are expecting temperatures to be close to average but we will still get some of these short warm spells.”

But the North can expect a sudden plunge in temperatures on Saturday as the hot Spanish plume is swapped for a cold front from Greenland.

The 30C heat in Manchester is expected to fall to 15C. Annie added: “Some will definitely be relieved to be out of 30C because it’s not going to be comfortable overnight, we are looking at temperatures holding up to even the low 20s.

Visitors enjoy a donkey ride at the beach in Weymouth, England (Getty Images)

Age UK is urging elderly people to take some simple precautions in the heat, particularly if they have breathing problems or a heart condition.

The charity’s Caroline ­Abrahams said: “Older people can be at risk of ­dehydration and ­overheating when it gets hot, so it’s a good idea to let people know if you have any concerns about ­yourself, especially if you live alone.

“For the rest of us, checking in on older relatives and ­neighbours is a nice idea. For example, you may have an extra fan you can lend, and the offer of an ice cream when it is sweltering will usually be ­appreciated too.

“Taking simple steps to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day is a good idea.”

Caroline advised elderly people to remain indoors, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during the warmest times in the day.

Brits have this week been treated to a ­large supermoon, due to it being closest to Earth.