Exact date UK set for hottest day of the year so far amid 'heatwave' prediction

The UK is set to see the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures predicted to soar to 29C.

in the early part of next week, with the majority of Brits basking in balmy mid-20 temperatures.

Before then, a "weak weather front" will bring wetter conditions to western parts of the UK, as well as parts of Northern Ireland and most of Scotland, today (Saturday).

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But forecasters say the rain will ease by Sunday ahead of a much warmer outlook the following week, the Mirror reports. Temperatures in the North West could reach 25C. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and Scotland will see slightly cooler conditions with temperatures averaging around 19/20C.

Things will heat up even further from Monday with "heatwave conditions" seeing temperatures reach scorching highs of 29C in London and the south east by Wednesday.

Those headed to this year's Glastonbury Festival, however, should arrive armed with raincoats and brollies, as the area is expected to face heavy rain and possibly thunder in the later part of next week, despite heatwave conditions.

Met Office spokesman Graham Madge said: "Although the set-up for the festival is likely to be in near heatwave conditions, there is a signal for showers, perhaps even heavy and thundery, towards the end of next week. He added: "by the time we get to the end of the weekend we’ll see temperatures start to climb."

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said despite some unsettled weather on Saturday, the country will see "fine conditions" by Sunday and throughout next week, with temperatures approaching values needed for a heatwave to occur. He explained: “After a brief, less settled interlude tomorrow, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into the beginning of next week. For much of the UK this will be accompanied by a boost in temperatures with many places reaching the mid-20°Cs."

Rudman added that most of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year. He said: "Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions. Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the beginning to middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.

“However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year."