It’s finally hotting up! Heatwave on the way that could last until July

WHEN it comes to the British summer, Mother Nature can be quite a tease.

For the last few weeks, we’ve had days that started with sunshine and ended with downpours.

But now it looks like we’ll finally be able to leave our umbrellas at home with confidence – as forecasters believe this week’s heatwave could continue all the way to July.

Britain will see temperatures soar as high as 86F (30C) in some areas thanks to warm weather from France and the Azores – almost double the usual average of 62F (17C) for this time of year.

Much of the South already enjoyed highs in the mid-70s yesterday with Mildenhall, Suffolk, recording the highest temperature of almost 79F (26C).

Met Office spokesman Nicky Maxey said: ‘We have got some warm temperatures coming up, particularly over the weekend. The warmer weather will continue into the middle of next week, and it is likely to continue beyond.

‘This warm area is coming up from the tropical maritime air of the Azores,’ she added.

A burst of warm weather from France today will mean temperatures could reach as high as 82F (28C) in London. Forecasters said a cold front will bring cooler conditions for Thursday and Friday before warmer weather from the Atlantic lifts temperatures once more.

However, the warm spell expected in the South may not reach the North.

Steve Ramsdale, chief meteorologist for the Met Office, said: ‘Just how high temperatures will get is still uncertain. However, the warm, sunny weather is unlikely to affect all areas of the UK.

‘Although still rather warm in the North there will be rain or showers and more cloud at times. It may turn cooler in the far North by Sunday.