UK weather maps burn red with temperatures 'finally set to soar'

UK weather maps have burned red as the temperatures SOARS to the high-twenties just days after near-freezing cold. WX Charts, which projects the forthcoming weather using Met Desk data, shows London, Leeds and Manchester set to hit 26C.

The best of the weather will be felt on July 1, with thermometers set to pass 26C. The Met Office outlook from June 21 to June 30 reads: "Following a couple of days of largely fine and settled weather, a gradual transition to more changeable conditions from the Atlantic is likely to take place with periods of cloud, rain and stronger winds most often affecting the west and northwest.

"There remains a small chance of an area of heavy, thundery rain affecting parts of the south on Friday 21st, possibly accompanied by briefly hot and humid conditions. Into the last week of June, changeable conditions are likely to remains dominant, with the focus for these conditions continuing to be across the north and west, with spells of more settled and drier conditions likely in the south and east.

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"Nationwide, temperatures are expected to be close to or slightly above average." It comes after a drab and dreary June, which has seen rainy conditions win out with little sunshine for Brits to enjoy nationwide, amid a cold start to summer.

Tomorrow, northern Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cloudy with some patchy rain moving in from the north. Elsewhere, a sunnier and dry start but showers will develop later, the BBC Weather team has explained on its website.

The forecast for Tuesday onwards adds: "On Tuesday, the far north will see further spells of rain. Elsewhere, after a sunnier start, showers will redevelop, especially in northern England. Wednesday is set to be mostly dry with variable cloud. However, a few showers may develop in the south-east and the far north.

"Similar conditions on Thursday but the southeast will turn cloudy with thundery outbreaks of heavy rain."