When 28C weeks-long heatwave is expected to hit Essex

The UK is on the brink of its first 29C heatwave of the year, according to weather forecasts which have predicted which areas are likely to be the hottest. Forecasts for the next fortnight indicate that Essex could be reaching highs of 28C, with other parts of the country even higher.

So far this summer, peak temperatures have barely surpassed 25C, with no indication of hot weather taking hold in Britain permanently. However, a North African plume could sweep across the UK before the month ends, The Express reports.

This impending heatwave is predicted to make its way via Europe, reaching its zenith on June 29 - the penultimate day a red highlight blankets the country, signifying a surge in temperatures. Northern France will bask in a blistering 31C, which will dip by at least two degrees as it traverses the Channel to Britain, forecasters say.

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Some towns and cities are expected to feel the heat more than others. London is expected to experience temperatures as high as 29C while up north, in Manchester and Leeds, locals are expected to experience temperatures of around 26C.

The southern coast of England is forecasted to witness the highest temperatures, with parts of Sussex also anticipated to hit a sweltering 29C. Other regions won't be far off. Counties such as Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, Surrey and Berkshire, are slated to endure highs of 28C.

Birmingham and other areas of the West Midlands will roast in highs of 27C, while Manchester and Liverpool can brace for 26C. Temperatures will descend slightly further north, with towns and cities near Newcastle experiencing 22C. Cardiff in Wales is set to bask in a comfortable 25C. However, despite the promising early signs from weather maps, Netweather forecasters warn that this isn't a sure thing.

Forecaster Ian Simpson said: "There is some chance of some of that North African and southern European heat making its way to the British Isles towards the end of June, depending on whether the ridges of high pressure from the Azores align in such a way that we pull in hot air masses from the south and south-east, but this is not a certainty."