London weather: Heatwave expected next week with temperatures to hit 31C

Temperatures are set to soar to highs of 31C in London this week as a new heatwave sweeps the country.

The mercury will rise past 30C on Wednesday, with dry weather and clear skies expected for most of the week.

Meteorologists have urged people to avoid midday sun and stay in the shade as the arid weather looks set to last another seven to 10 days.

Highs of 27C and 28C are expected to hit parts of south and south-east England on Sunday, with sunny spells forecast throughout the day for most of the country.

The west of Scotland may see some rain – but will also experience patches of clear sky, according to forecasters.

The warm weather is due to continue for most of the UK into next week, when conditions will stay dry and settled with little rain or wind.

On Monday, temperatures are predicted to reach highs of 28C - rising to 29C the following day.

Large swathes of the south of England will see temperatures hit 31C on Wednesday, potentially rising to the mid-30s by next Sunday, according to the Met Office.

Temperatures must 28C in London for three consecutive days for a period of hot weather to be defined as a heatwave.

Met Office senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “England and Wales will be dry with sunny spells (on Sunday).

“Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland will be cloudier with a risk of some patchy rain largely across the west of Scotland but there will be sunny spells across Northern Ireland

“Maximum temperatures tomorrow will be around 27 and possibly 28C which would be across central and southern and southeast England area.

“It will still be in the sun further north, even to the east of Scotland we might see 23C.”

Gardeners will be dismayed to learn that the dry conditions look set to clash with hosepipe bans imposed in some parts of the country.

“For the next seven to 10 days it looks like it will be dry for much of the country,” Mr Dewhurst said.

Southern Water announced restrictions from Friday for customers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, while the measure will follow exactly a week later for South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex.

Mr Dewhurst also urged people to follow precautions in the warm weather to avoid becoming overheated, including closing curtains and windows during the day.

“As the heatwave develops, keep out of the midday sun, try and stay in the shade if you are outside and the best thing to do is close the curtains during the day and then open the curtains and windows at night to let the cooler air in,” he said.

“Drink lots of water and make sure to stay hydrated.”