Britain Set For Heatwave As Temperatures Soar

Britain will bask in a heatwave this week as the country enjoys temperatures that rival holiday resorts in the Mediterranean.

Met Office forecasters say rain and gale-force winds will give way to blazing sunshine, with the mercury set to hit the mid-20s (around 77F) next weekend - only slightly cooler than earlier estimates.

The balmy weather, which will kick in on Wednesday, will be a welcome improvement on the first half of the week for much of the UK.

Sky's Weather Producer, Joanna Robinson, has said top temperatures of about 25C (77F) are likely towards the weekend.

She added: "It will feel much more like summer from the middle of the week as pressure builds from the south, giving mainly fine and dry conditions.

"It will turn much warmer too, noticeably so after a relatively cool May.

"On Friday, temperatures will widely reach the low twenties in the south, with 25C possible in the southeast - but the heat may bring a few thunderstorms.

"The weekend looks mainly fine and warm, too."

A yellow weather warning for strong winds is in place for much of the UK from 2pm on Monday - while the Irish Meteorological Service has issued an orange "be prepared" warning for parts of Ireland.

Forecasters are warning that heavy rain and thundery showers will hit on Tuesday.

After that things are predicted to improve dramatically as warm air from the continent drifts in.