UK set for roasting Iberian heatwave with five parts of England hottest

UK weather maps have turned dark red as an Iberian plume sizzles the country with DAYS of glorious sunshine. WX Charts, which uses Met Desk data, has forecast sunny days into next week starting today (Thursday May 2) as the fifth month of the year improves.

The best of the weather will be seen in the East of England in Norwich and Peterborough as well as north of England, particularly the North West and Yorkshire with Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield benefitting with highs around 20C.

The Met Office forecast for today (Thursday) onwards reads: "Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing. Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later. Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud."

READ MORE 10,000 drivers in UK sue Uber and could get £25,000 payouts

Looking ahead to tonight, the team adds: "Areas of rain over the southern half of the UK spread west with the risk of thunderstorms. Dry elsewhere with low cloud reforming in some northern and eastern parts." Looking at Friday, the Met Office says: "Cloudy with some heavy showers across central parts which can be thundery.

"Mainly dry with sunny spells across north Scotland, Northern Ireland and the southwest. Temperatures just above average." The outlook for Saturday to Monday continues: "Remaining unsettled for the bank holiday. Rain at times, with heavy showers but sunnier spells from time to time.

"Temperatures generally above average way from cloud and rain." The BBC says today the south and south-west "will see spells of heavy, thundery rain followed by a few afternoon thunderstorms." It adds: "Mostly dry elsewhere with sunny spells north and west, but cloudier to the east.

"Tonight, staying cloudy for most with scattered showers in the south. Only the far south-west and the north of Scotland will escape dry with clearer skies. Coastal showers in eastern England by dawn."