Temperatures are expected to soar to highs of 30C by this weekend - with key areas being placed on heatwave alert.
The Met Office is warning the elderly or vulnerable in at least six regions in England could be adversely affected by the extreme temperatures, with possible highs of 30C.
Forecasters say an 'Iberian plume' moving in from Spain is giving way to the soaring temperatures - after much of the UK has already experienced a prolonged spell of sunshine.
